Ben Stokes put up a memorable performance as he put his body on the line to lead England to a memorable 22-run victory at the Lord’s Cricket Ground on Monday (July 14) to give the home team a vital 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series against India. Ben Stokes bowled a spell for the ages as India failed to chase 192 in the fourth innings and finished with figures of 3-48 after bowling a stunning 24 overs.
The England captain Ben Stokes dismissed Akash Deep, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah to clinch the Player of the Match (POTM) award.
The 34-year-old Ben Stokes was lauded as he bowled a nine-over spell in the first session and then followed it up with another over spell in the second session. Ben Stokes Player of the Match award is his fourth in a Test match at Lord’s, making him the first player to achieve the feat and breaking a world record, which he shared with Glenn McGrath, Joe Root, and Stuart Broad.
Ben Stokes inspired England to thrilling 22 runs win at Lord’s
Ben Stokes once again inspired England to a 22-run win over a stubborn India on an unbearably tense final day of the third Test at Lord’s. The captain Ben Stokes delivered a monumental shift with the ball to claim three wickets as India were bowled out for 170.
In an epic conclusion, the hosts had victory in their grasp until nerves were frayed by outstanding defiance from Ravindra Jadeja. Chasing 193, India were 112-8 when Jadeja was joined by number 10 Jasprit Bumrah. They were together for almost 22 overs before Ben Stokes, who bowled tirelessly from the Nursery End, drew Bumrah into a pull to mid-on. Bumrah’s contribution to a stand of 35 was five from 54 balls.
Still Jadeja resisted, this time with last man Mohammed Siraj. Ben Stokes refused to stop bowling. A delayed tea was taken with 30 required for India.
The injured Shoaib Bashir was summoned after the break, and incredibly got Siraj to defend the ball into the ground and back on to his stumps. Bashir, who has an injured finger on his non-bowling hand, set off on a delirious celebration, his last act of the series after he was ruled out of the final two Tests. Jadeja was left stranded on 61 from 181 balls.
The drawn-out finale was a direct contrast to a pulsating morning, when Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer broke open the India batting with some irresistible pace bowling. Archer ripped Rishabh Pant’s off stump out of the ground, Ben Stokes had KL Rahul lbw on review for 39. Washington Sundar, who confidently told the media on Sunday night “India will win”, was sensationally held by Archer’s agile swoop in his follow-through.
Jadeja began his vigil, first alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy for 15 overs, then Bumrah. Jadeja and Brydon Carse had to be separated after an accidental collision while Jadeja was running between the wickets.England tried everything and thought they had Jadeja until he overturned being given lbw to Chris Woakes on 26. Once again, Ben Stokes decided it was up to him.
After a spell of 9.2 overs in the morning, the talismanic captain launched into another of 10 up to tea. Bashir had the moment of glory, but it was Ben Stokes who carried England on his back. This awe inspiring performance from the English workhorse Ben Stokes earned praises from Former English cricketer David Llyod.
David Llyod is in full praise of Ben Stokes for his match winning performances
David Lloyd, a former England cricketer and renowned commentator, has shared his views on Ben Stokes, particularly concerning his role as an all-rounder and his recent captaincy. David Lloyd believes that Stokes’ character has been instrumental in his success, allowing him to maximize his talent as a cricketer.
While acknowledging comparisons between Stokes and cricket legends like Ian Botham, David Lloyd emphasizes that Stokes’ ability to be a game-changer and dictate matches is what truly matters. David Lloyd highlights Stokes’ exceptional fitness and determination, noting his comeback after facing personal challenges off the field, returning as a better, fitter, and more determined cricketer, setting an example for others. David Lloyd considers Stokes a “fabulous role model” and a “wonderful cricketer” who attracts fans to the game.Â
Speaking on Ben Stokes focus on Test cricket David Llyod said :
“His bowling has definitely helped England because he is fit. He’s been the best bowler in this series. His component in batting needs to improve and I’m sure he’ll be working on that. He’s ambitious to play more Test match cricket,” he said
David Lloyd recently commented on Stokes’ return from injury, suggesting that the England captain needs to be “more dominant” and work harder on his batting to continue as a successful all-rounder. David Lloyd also expressed concern over potential workload issues and their “huge ramifications” for English cricket, particularly if Stokes’ bowling is impacted.
England will be forced into one change for the fourth Test at Old Trafford on 23 July, with Bashir out because of a broken finger. India will wait on the fitness of Pant, who also has a finger injury. In this wonderful year of Test cricket, with an Ashes series on the horizon, England are on the verge of winning a five-match series for the first time since 2018.
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