When India seemed well on track for a famous victory, it was Ben Stokes who turned the tide in stunning fashion. With a masterful display of precision and effort, Ben Stokes produced one of the most impactful spells of his Test career, breaking India’s momentum and guiding England to a memorable win at Lord’s.
Ben Stokes’ Grit: Skill Meets Stamina
Ben Stokes bowled 24 overs, giving up just 48 runs at an economy of 2.00 and taking three vital wickets in the second innings, just as India appeared ready to chase down the target. At crucial junctures, his precision, discipline, and constant pressure forced Indian batters into errors.
Ben Stokes’ exact line and length, along with a few short-pitched surprise balls, were what unnerved India, not his ostentatious swing or express pace. Outside off-stump, he kept his routes narrow and left no space for easy runs. He demonstrated why he is still one of the most valuable all-rounders in modern cricket by bowling long, challenging periods.
Breaking India’s Backbone: The Wicket of KL Rahul
The biggest turning point came when Ben Stokes dismissed KL Rahul, who had scored a century in the first innings and was again looking set. By getting KL Rahul out on 39 in 58 balls, Ben Stokes removed India’s most in-form and reliable batter and broke the backbone of the Indian innings. India’s score at that time was 81-6, needing another 112 runs, which became a herculean effort from there.
Ben Stokes’ discipline made it impossible for KL Rahul to rotate strike freely, forcing him into frustration. Eventually, a well-set plan paid off, and Stokes sent Rahul back to the pavilion. It wasn’t just a wicket—it was a game-changer. England’s skipper bowled his heart out and marshaled his troops smartly, which paid dividends.
The irritating partnership of Jasprit Bumrah & Ravindra Jadeja was also broken by Ben Stokes. Stokes got the better of India’s lethal speedster as the idea of the short ball ploy did wonders. The wicket of Jasprit Bumrah brought England back into the game at 147-9 as the 35-run partnership between Bumrah & Jadeja was growing and looking threatening for England.
Player of the Match & Series
For his all-around efforts, especially the match-defining spell in the second innings, Ben Stokes was awarded the Player of the Match and Player of the Series. Stokes’ performance was a perfect example of how work ethic, patience, and smart bowling can outclass even the strongest batting sides. India started as the favorites,
Ben Stokes’ splendid bowling performance and captaincy crushed a billion people’s hearts as this defeat will hurt India for a long time Stokes figures—24 overs, 3 wickets for 48 runs tell a story of discipline, skill, and leadership. At Lord’s, on a day when India seemed ready to script history, it was Stokes who stole the show and made a statement that the game of cricket is being played on the ground, not on batting depth and paper.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Records Galore After Ben Stokes’ Unit Win A Nerve Wrecking Thriller