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Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has handed a reality check to England skipper Ben Stokes after the latter’s side failed to win the Anderson-Tendullkar Trophy. With India’s six-run win in the final Test at The Oval, the competition ended with 2-2 figures and England failed to win a Test series against India in the former’s backyard for the second time within the last four years. Earlier, in 2021-22, when India toured England for five Tests, both teams settled with a 2-2 result. England, who are known to be dominating in home conditions, have failed to win against two powerhouses Australia and India at home in two years.
Clarke, on his YouTube channel, spoke about England being unsuccessful in winning the Test series against India. "This England team, I think, 2-2 draw in your own backyard, if I'm captain of that team, I'm disappointed with that result. I want to win, especially in my own conditions. I think they would've come into the series expecting to win," remarked Clarke.
Michael Clarke feels India overachieved in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025
Clarke also believes that India overachieved in the England Test series despite the retirement of their legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. "If India lost the series, people would've respected and understood that. New captain, two of their most senior players not playing Test cricket, the best bowler in the world playing only three of the five matches - I think England would've gone into the series expecting to win. India have overperformed. To level the series 2-2, that's definitely a win for India in my opinion," added Clarke.
England’s World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign will move to Australia, where they will play the Ashes 2025-26 from November 21 to January 8. On the other hand, India’s next red-ball assignment is against the West Indies at home in October.
