England's first series under their new leadership duo of Stokes and red-ball coach Brendon McCullum had several times seen them hit their way out of trouble. But doubts had been expressed over whether batting in 'Bazball' fashion, a reference to former New Zealand captain McCullum's nickname, would work against India's formidable pace attack. The strengths and weaknesses of such an approach were encapsulated in Stokes's exit for 25.