 "'I've taken myself to some pretty dark places': Ben Stokes breathes sigh of relief after Lord's thriller")
England captain Ben Stokes could not hide his elation following a thrilling victory over India by 22 runs at Lord’s. Stokes led his team from the front and was adjudged with the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance. He chipped in with bat as well as with ball in both innings and inflicted a brilliant run-out of Rishabh Pant, which proved to be crucial as the wicket-keeper batsman was cruising at that juncture of the game. If that wasn’t enough, he hit a bullseye with his review as well on Day 5, picking the important scalp of KL Rahul, who was well-set at 39.
Ben Stokes inspires England’s victory over India at Lord’s
Following the culmination of the game, Stokes expressed delight in getting the job done on the concluding day of the Test.
“I’ve taken myself to some pretty dark places, but if bowling your country to a Test match win doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what does. Bashir, it was written in the stars to take that last wicket. An absolute warrior,” Stokes said during the post-match presentation ceremony at the ‘Home of Cricket’.
As India had restricted England to the total of 192 in the second innings, Stokes was feeling the pressure but backed his skill to affect the game.
“With what was on the line… I was cooked yesterday, but the game was on the line, nothing was stopping me. I’m an all-rounder, I get four opportunities to influence the game, and if one thing doesn’t click… I’d like to score more runs, but you don’t have a chance to worry about anything,” he said.
Stokes also paid heed to Pant’s run-out as well and revealed how he dismissed the Indian batter.
“In the middle of the spell, so I was pretty pumped up. Important position at extra cover, and in my peripheral I saw Rishabh stutter. One of the great feelings, when you let go of the ball and know it’s going to hit the stumps.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“Always going to be the way, two very good teams going toe to toe. Not going to lie, looking forward to lying in my bed for four days,” he added.
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