Follow UsIt was a bit of a surprise that Ben Stokes continued to bowl even after completing his left-over over from Day 4, when the fifth day of the Lord’s Test between England and India began on July 14 (Monday). But there was logic, nostalgia and gut feeling involved in that decision-making, which went back six years to 2019, when, at the same venue and on the same date, England won the ODI World Cup for the first time in their history.
“It was actually part of the reason I went with Jof [Jofra Archer] and myself this morning. One of those feelings, what is it 6 years now to the day (2019 WC win)…Jof played a major role in that, just had one of those feelings he would do something special, and he cracked the game open with 2 wickets,” Stokes explained his decision in the post-match presentation ceremony, after England managed to defend 192 and win the game by 22 runs to take 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
With Brydon Carse having removed Indian skipper Shubman Gill and Karun Nair on Day 4, everyone thought that he would start the proceedings after the first over. But Stokes had other plans.
“It wasn't an easy call, there was a bit of discussion in the dressing room. Brydon (Carse) had an amazing spell last night, he was charging in and had a great rhythm, but it was a gut feeling, Jof's first match back in the Test team, and sometimes your gut works,” said the English captain, who was also named Player of the Match for his 77 runs and five wickets in the game.
Shoaib Bashir took the final wicket to take his team to victory, even after breaking his left finger in the first innings of the match. Praising the bowler, who would not be part of the series any more, Stokes said, “Bashir, broken hand, going out there and taking responsibility with the bat, then coming out and picking up the last wicket, absolute warrior to do that for the team.”
Talking about the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, Stokes said, “It was always going to be the case, two very good teams going at it. We went toe to toe in this game, not going to lie but cannot wait to get in bed for four days and then be ready to go to Manchester.”