Stokes: England's irresistible force

Skipper Stokes is one of the main reasons for hosts’ dominance over India.

Manchester: When a battered and bruised Ben Stokes came for the post-match press conference at Lord’s last Monday, the first thing he told the media was “Is there any chance you can just do yes or no questions?"

The media, which was still searching for fresh adjectives and hyperboles to describe another heroic performance from the England skipper, broke into laughter. His body and mind extremely sore, Stokes still found energy to maintain the convention of a captain addressing the media at the conclusion of a game in this part of the cricketing world.

That is Stokes in a nutshell. Giving it his all for the team and country, and ready to put his frame through a wringer without worrying about the repercussions despite recently returning after another major injury. He’s done that countless times, orchestrating many a famous English win through sheer bloody-mindedness, and he did that in the third Test against India to fashion a famous 22-run win that saw him being adjudged Player of the Match despite Joe Root’s century in the first innings.

Stokes picked up 3/48 in the second innings but more than the wickets, it was his two long spells that were the talk of the cricketing world. With India resuming the final day on 58/4 and needing another 135 runs to go 2-1 up, Stokes led from the front by dishing out 9.2 overs in the first spell. Possessing the rare ability to read a batter’s mind and produce magic deliveries constantly, Stokes just kept chugging along to ensure India were always kept under pressure.

Then came the second spell under the scorching London summer sun. With India putting up a fight through Ravindra Jadeja, Stokes, despite coach Brendon McCullum warning him against bowling too much, upped the ante. He bowled 10 overs on the bounce, bending his back ball after ball and constantly hitting speeds in excess of 135 kmph. It was an inhuman effort from the superman of cricket.

That was just the final day. In all, he bowled 44 overs across both innings — the most by a fast bowler from both sides. He also scored 44 and 33 and produced an exceptional piece of fielding on the second day to run out Rishabh Pant, who tried to steal a single. Sensing Pant would dab and go for a single, Stokes rushed in from cover point, picked the ball up, and hurled the stumps at the non-striker's end. It was anticipation, speed and accuracy in one go. And let’s not forget his captaincy, where his unconventional field placings and smart bowling changes forced Indians into committing errors against the run of play.

“The game was on the line. Bowling to win the Test match for your country on day five, however you wake up in the morning, if that doesn't get you going or get you up for going out there and putting in for your team, then I don't know what will,” said Stokes when asked how he’s able to push his body beyond limits. 

“As soon as I felt like I was not the person to break this game open or take the wicket, that's when I decided enough is enough, change the bowlers up. I felt threatening for most of the day. I've obviously put a lot in over the last two days. Just pretty knackered at the moment, to be honest, but obviously very happy that we've managed to get the win.”

Stokes though warned he’ll be up to full intensity in Manchester where the fourth Test starts on July 23. “I reckon in two days' time I'll be pretty pumped.” Wonder what’s in store from the Durham star at Old Trafford.