Ben Stokes poses the greatest threat to India, nationwide and especially at Lord’s. India has previously struggled with his strong counterattacking style and game-changing ability. Ben Stokes has two hundreds and several game-winning efforts at Lord’s, where he averages over 48.6 in Test matches.
Ben Stokes averages a respectable 43.1 against India in England, and his strike rate makes bowlers nervous. Stokes’ early dismissal on Day 2 will be crucial if India wants to dominate at Lord’s. The bowling approach must be on preventing Stokes any rhythm, whether that is done by Bumrah’s incisive in-swingers or by Akash Deep challenging his patience outside off. Stokes can alter the momentum in a single session once he settles in.
Ben Stokes: England’s Heartbeat with Bat & Ball
Ben Stokes is not just another batter—he is England’s emotional and tactical leader, capable of flipping games in a single session. A proven all-rounder, his role goes beyond fireworks; it’s about stability, counterattacks, and momentum control.
Test batting average: 36.34
Average in England: 42.68
Lord’s average: 48.6
Against India in England: 43.1
India Must Break the Joe Root-Ben Stokes Partnership: A Stronghold
England virtually always dominates when Root and Stokes bat together. They are one of the most successful duos in contemporary Test cricket because of their opposing but complementary style, Stokes’ instinct and aggression combined with Root’s patience and accuracy.
Their collaboration serves as England’s defense. Allowing them to settle can nullify early gains and give England the upper hand. Lord’s is not a place where you give second chances, and India has frequently found itself only one strong delivery away from breaking that stand. England’s score is 251-4 and if England get close to 400 then they would be in a powerful position.
Eliminating Joe Root and Ben Stokes is crucial, but it’s not enough. Players like Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes can step in and contribute crucial runs if India is unable to capitalize after eliminating these two foundations. Ben Stokes has played a dodgy knock so far of 39 runs in 102 balls and hit 3 fours.
A gritty 30 or 47 from the lower middle order may change the course of a match in modern Test cricket, particularly in the third innings when the pressure on the scoreboard begins to increase. England has recently displayed symptoms of caution, in contrast to their typical Bazball strategy. Their batters did not attack the bowling with the anticipated vigor in the first Test. They tried to slow down India’s attack by playing more conservatively instead. That is a warning indication. It demonstrates how people are changing and opting for order over chaos.
That’s exactly why Ben Stokes’ wicket becomes even more crucial. Ben Stokes is the bridge between the top order and England’s explosive late middle. India must also avoid the trap of celebrating a breakthrough too early. Every wicket after Root-Stokes must come with a clear plan and tight execution.
India’s Bowling Attack: Holding Steady
Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, India’s pace unit, appear to be settling in nicely. Jasprit Bumrah’s expertise and leadership are paying off; in addition to making breakthroughs with the new ball, he also stifles the score when it matters most. Despite being relatively fresh to Test cricket, Akash Deep in particular bowled brilliantly in the inaugural Test’s first session, displaying rhythm and poise.
Despite his lack of expressive velocity.
Nitish Kumar Reddy enforces strict discipline and makes mistakes by maintaining line-and-length consistency. It doesn’t seem like the trio needs to be rearranged for the second Test because they are working well together.
India’s Strategic Keys
- Eliminating openers and exposing Root and Stokes early on results in early wickets.
- Prepare for Stokes by forcing him to take risky strokes before he feels more comfortable and bowling tighter lines.
- Contain Root: To break rhythm, cut singles, put pressure on them, and constantly shift field positions.
- No complacency after early wickets: If India allows Root or Stokes to bat for an extended period, England’s depth may be a liability.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Records Galore After Joe Root Headlines Near England’s Day