England captain Ben Stokes showed immense courage and determination to lead his team to a thrilling victory against India at Lord’s. Joe Root praised Stokes for putting his body on the line, highlighting his relentless effort throughout the match. Stokes took five wickets, scored 77 crucial runs, and executed a key run-out, playing a vital role in England’s 22-run win in the third Test.
Stokes bowled a massive 44 overs, including tough spells of 9.2 and 10 overs on the final day. This was his highest workload in over six years, especially notable given his recent serious hamstring injuries. Despite the physical strain, Stokes pushed himself hard, inspiring his teammates with his grit and passion.
Root shared that during his captaincy, he tried to limit Stokes’ workload, but the star all-rounder was determined to keep going. “I tried for five years, but he didn’t always listen,” Root admitted. He praised Stokes’ mental strength and desire to win, calling it a promising sign for England’s future.
England’s head coach Brendon McCullum even asked Stokes to take a break via a message, fearing for his fitness. However, Root believes only Stokes truly knows his limits now, saying, “He clearly trusts his body and knows where he stands physically.”
After the match, a tired Stokes told reporters he looked forward to resting for a few days before gearing up for the next Test at Old Trafford, starting July 23. His remarkable performance remains a key factor in England’s series lead.