According to Joe Root, Ben Stokes has returned to his very best.
On the final day of the Lord’s Test, Stokes bowled a nine-over spell in the first session. Then, in the second session, he delivered another ten overs on the trot. Root sees his teammate’s ability to bowl such marathon spells as a big positive for the team. In his view, Stokes — now recovered from injury — is finally able to trust his body again.
In the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, Stokes bowled a total of 44 overs in the third Test — the highest by any player from either side. England edged past India by 22 runs in a thrilling contest to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Stokes played a key role in England’s nail-biting win. He picked up five wickets across the two innings and scored 44 and 33 runs with the bat, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Back in December, Stokes had to undergo surgery for a hamstring injury. Afterward, he committed to a strict fitness program and lost 10 kilograms.
Root admitted he was a bit concerned seeing his teammate bowl such long spells after coming back from injury. But with no setbacks occurring, he felt a huge sense of relief. Speaking to BBC Sport, the world’s No. 1 Test batter said Stokes’ return to top form is a great sign for England.
“He was just desperate to be the man to win the game and wanted to change the course of the match. He put in an incredible effort to make it happen. I was a little bit scared, wondering if he’d be able to finish the game after coming back from a few nasty injuries. But now it’s clear — he trusts his body again.”
“This is a brilliant sign for us moving forward. It really is, because he’s back to his very best.”
The fourth Test between England and India is set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford.
