England’s victory wasn’t just about runs and wickets—it was also about leadership and clarity. Ben Stokes made headlines post-match by defending vice-captain Ollie Pope from what he called “media agendas,” reinforcing his pivotal role in the team.
Stokes accused reporters of twisting his earlier statements on Jacob Bethell, which he insisted were never meant to suggest Pope’s role was at risk. “He’s integral to what we do. A leader on and off the field,” Stokes reaffirmed.
The match also saw Shoaib Bashir step into the limelight. The young spinner ripped through Zimbabwe’s lineup and earned applause for his maturity and skill. Stokes called his development “super exciting,” hinting that this is only the beginning for Bashir.