England vice-captain Ben Stokes believes he “let the crew down” within the Ashes and he is aiming to make amends with some huge performances within the West Indies.
Stokes’ choice to finish a six-month hiatus from the sport and be part of the tour of Australia despatched a wave of optimism via English cricket, with followers and teammates alike cheering the return of the star allrounder.
However he was unable to seek out his greatest type in a one-sided sequence, struggling to have an affect because the hosts dominated in a 4-0 thumping.
Stokes averaged simply 23.60 with the bat, with a high rating of 66, and managed solely 4 wickets at a price of 71.50 every.
The 30-year-old ended a chastening journey hampered on the crease and unable to bowl as a consequence of a facet pressure, however he gives no excuses as he prepares for subsequent week’s first Check in Antigua.
“Wanting again on Australia, we have had some sincere reflections, not solely as a crew however people,” stated Stokes.
“One in every of my reflections on the tour as a complete was that I personally felt I let the crew down, with extra than simply performances,” he stated.
“I might have appreciated to have been in higher bodily form after I was in Australia.
“Once I look again on it I felt I let myself down, however the factor that basically grinds me probably the most and hurts me probably the most is that I let numerous different individuals down.
“I by no means wish to really feel that approach once more as a result of it is onerous while you sit right down to mirror on the issues that did not go properly in Australia.
“The one factor for us now’s to be optimistic, as a result of there was numerous negatives in Australia and it was a crap place to be.
“We have come right here and wiped the slate clear. We will not dwell prior to now. I do know what I wish to give to the crew and I do know what I’ve to do to ship that on a constant foundation.”
Stokes accepted that his lengthy break from aggressive cricket – to protect his psychological and bodily well being – had been a contributing issue.
“Clearly I had an extended break which by no means helps. I could not do a lot in three or 4 months so I used to be at all times behind,” he stated.
“I do not assume I got here again too early. If I used to be to say that, it will be excuses.
“I used to be able to go on the market and there was no stress placed on me in any respect from anyone.
“I simply wasn’t me. I wasn’t in a position to affect the sport as I wish to or how I usually do and the whole lot simply appeared more durable. You’ll be able to’t put your finger on one thing like that too simply.”
Since coming back from Australia, Stokes has taken the acutely aware choice to rededicate himself to the calls for of Check cricket and to England’s sizeable rebuilding job.
He opted to not put his title ahead for the current Indian Premier League public sale, the place he would have been certain to draw huge cash gives.
“That was an enormous choice, to come back out of the IPL and to guarantee that I used to be in a position to give the whole lot I presumably may to this Check crew going ahead.
“Check cricket is an important for me.”