India Vs England, 4th Test: Ben Stokes Adamant ENG Will Not Shy Away From 'Confrontation'

Ben Stokes is adamant England will not back down in the fourth Test against India, after the hosts' timewasting tactics in the third Test sparked several flashpoints. 

England could seal their first red-ball series victory over India since 2018 this week, as they take a 2-1 lead into the fourth match at Old Trafford.

Stokes' team claimed a 22-run victory in the third Test at Lord's, with the final two days marred by a series of clashes after England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett frustrated the tourists by ensuring they only faced one over in the closing stages of day three.

After taking the wicket of Duckett on day four, India paceman Mohammed Siraj celebrated by screaming in the face of his opponent, while England's players did likewise after the dismissal of Washington Sundar on the final day.

While Stokes insists England have not deliberately set out to rile the tourists up, he says they will not back down if similar scenes take place at Old Trafford.

"I don't think it's one of those things where we're going to necessarily just go out and start at it. I don't think either team's really looking to do that," Stokes told reporters.

"I think there's always going to be a moment in a Test series where something does heat up. It's a massive series.

"There's a lot of pressure on both teams to go out and perform. The environment when you're out there, obviously there's going to be some moments and some heat showing.

"It's not something that we're going to purposely go out and start, that will take our focus off what we actually need to do out in the middle. 

"But by no means are we going to take a backward step and let any opposition try and be confrontational towards us. I think that goes for most teams."

India captain Shubman Gill, though, believes England's approach at Lord's was unbecoming.

"A lot of people have been talking about it, so let me clear the air once and for all," Gill said at his own press conference. 

"If we were in that position [on day three], we would like to play less overs, but there's a manner to do it.

"To be able to come 90 seconds late to the crease is not something that I would think comes in the spirit of the game."

England have made one change to the team that started the third Test, with Liam Dawson being recalled for his first Test appearance since 2017, replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir.

The 35-year-old had drifted out of England contention but has continued to excel for Hampshire in the County Championship, and Stokes believes he will bring valuable experience to the setup.  

"I think someone with as much experience as Liam has, it makes coming back easier," Stokes said. "He's got all that experience to fall back on – he's a very good cricketer and I'm excited for him this week.

"I think if you get called back into the squad after a while, regardless of how old you are, you want to showcase your skills.

"It just shows that if you keep working hard and keep putting in good performances consistently, you're always going to be spoken about."