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Ben Stokes: Ben Stokes has sent a firm message to India ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, starting on Wednesday, stating that his team won’t back down from any on-field confrontations.

“It’s a massive series and heat will be shown. Have England been nice? Potentially. We won’t purposely start anything, but we won’t take any backward step,” Stokes said in a pre-match press conference.

The series has already seen plenty of intensity with England leading 2-1, and Stokes admitted the side enjoyed a much-needed break after their win at Lord’s. “I was in my bed for two days… felt like I was in a long-distance relationship with my family,” he joked. “It was a good win and a nice break. We’ll look to put the same energy next week.”