England National Cricket Team skipper Ben Stokes dropped an injury bomb on an England bowler after the conclusion of the third Test match against the India National Cricket Team.
Team England registered a stunning 22-run win in the third Test match against Team India at Lord’s to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The next match of the series will begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Also Read: Watch: Jasprit Bumrah heartbroken after brave 54-ball heroics end in pain in Lord’s Test
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England win epic Test
England won the toss and, with a changed philosophy in mind, they opted to bat first. The Bazball approach was nowhere to be seen in the first innings as England scored 387 in 112.3 overs at a run rate of 3.44. Joe Root top-performed with his 104-run knock while Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse hit good fifties.
With the ball, Chris Woakes (3/84), Jofra Archer (2/52), Ben Stokes (2/63), Shoaib Bashir (1/59), and Brydon Carse (1/88) bowled well, but allowed India to match England’s score of 387.
Meanwhile, in their second innings with the bat, England were troubled a lot by the Indian bowling unit and they got bowled out for 192 in 62.1 overs on Day 4. Joe Root (40), Ben Stokes (33), Harry Brook (23), and Zak Crawley (22) performed well in the innings.
Defending the target, the English bowling unit did an exceptional job and picked up wickets at regular intervals to reduce India to 112/8. Then, England were troubled by Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, but they managed to bowl India out for 170.
What an amazing job to get through the overs – Ben Stokes hails Jofra Archer
Ben Stokes won the Player of the Match award for his sensational all-round performance (44, 2/63, 33 & 3/48) in the Lord’s Test match against India.
Speaking to Michael Atherton after the match, Ben Stokes revealed why he opted to open the bowling with himself and Jofra Archer on Day 5 despite Brydon Carse’s fiery spell on Day 4. He also praised Archer for shining in his first Test match on his comeback. Ben Stokes elaborated:
“It was (extraordinary finish). It was actually part of the reason I went with Jof 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.”
“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 great rhythm but it was a gut feeling, Jof’s first match back in the Test team and sometimes your gut works. It is awesome to have him back. When he turns it on and the speeds come up on the screen, the feeling in the game changes. What an amazing job to get through the overs, first time out, tough week but he got some crucial wickets.”
Ben Stokes confirms Shoaib Bashir has broken a finger
Ben Stokes further confirmed that the spinner Shoaib Bashir has broken his finger and is ruled out of the Manchester Test match.
“I thought I had taken myself to some pretty dark places before.. but today bowling to win a Test match for your country.. If that doesn’t get you going then I don’t know what does. Bashir, broken hand (finger) 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,” Ben Stokes said.
In the end, Ben Stokes talked about how he turned up big time in the Lord’s Test match. Ben Stokes stated that the amazing direct-hit he produced to send back Rishabh Pant charged him up, and after that he made the most of the opportunities he gets as an all-rounder and performed well for his country. He elaborated:
“What today was and what was on the line, yesterday was a bit different as there was more cricket to be played, I pulled myself out there, to be honest I was cooked yesterday as well, but the game was on the line and nothing was stopping me.
“I am an allrounder, I get four opportunities to influence the game, one of the great things of being an all rounder is if one thing doesn’t quite click then you have the other. I had bowled an important spell, I was pretty pumped up, very important position at extra cover, it was one of those things, I saw Rishabh stutter in my peripheral, natural instincts took over and it is a great feeling when you let go of the ball and know that is going towards the stumps.”
“Big part of the game, Rishabh played really well, we all know how dangerous he can be and that wicket this morning was a big one and Jofra was the man to do it. 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 on the bed for four days and then be ready to go to Manchester.”
