LONDON: (Jul 14) England captain Ben Stokes said he has taken himself to “some pretty dark places” but would cherish the role he has played in the memorable win against India in the third Test here on Monday.

Stokes scalped five wickets in the match, including three in India’s second innings, and scored 44 and 33 in the two innings and ran Rishabh Pant out with a direct hit to be named player of the match after the 22-run win at the Lord’s. Chasing 193, India folded at 170 as Ravindra Jadeja’s (61 not out) herculean effort went in vain.

Asked how deep he had to dig in the match, Stokes said, “I’ve taken myself to some pretty dark places, but if bowling your country to a Test match win doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what does.”