Timesofindia.com in Manchester: 8-2-11-1. Forty-eight hectic deliveries, a large KL Rahul counter, and almost the dismissal of Shubman Gill, the captain of Enland Ben Stokes put a show, not only another show, in Old Trafford a day covered of day 5 of the Manchester test.He constantly rubbed his shoulder, hugged his hamstrings, felt a stiffness in the biceps of his bowling arm and grimacted in pain each time, but continued to load during what turned out to be a captivating playing.
Operating from the end of Sir James Anderson, Stokes – who projected himself into the second above the day – immediately identified the variable area and targeted it tirelessly from the sea. The angle and the tips offered by the terrain have made life difficult for the Night Pair of Rahul and Gill. Some deliveries have remained alarming, while others were awkwardly rising over a good length.The right -handers struggled to deal with the angle and the two rhythms rebound, which finally led to the dismissal of Rahul. The ball suddenly unleashed after pitching, and the low rebound trapped Rahul at the front. Stokes was delighted, forgetting all his bad guys at that time. He jumped to celebrate but retained himself slightly, letting out a sober pump pump.With spring in his stride, the captain of England was not ready to fade. He could feel another counter coming with the pressure he built. India looked temporary – Gill had already survived a narrow chance and had brought a painful blow to his right thumb. After the release of Rahul, Gill was the big fish, and Stokes was determined to remove it. So much so that he played an eight spell before handing over to the armed Pacers of the second new ball.Before day 5, there had been many questions about the question of whether Stokes was going at all. But he seemed to be locked up, ready to give him everything. This animated spell not only broke an obstinate partnership, but also kept Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse Fresh for a burst later with the new ball. Given its already immense workload in the series – including a transport to five titles and a century at Lord’s, followed by two days of rest in bed – Stokes had to widen deeply in its reserves for this effort.For five days, he barely left the field, constantly contesting the opposition with the bat and the ball. Its intensity has never dropped. At a time when players’ workload is a trendy concern, Stokes apparently erased the word from his vocabulary. In this current battle of I vs me vs india, Ben Stokes remains the real winner.
Watching Stokes bowl yesterday was pure joy. The way he set up that dismissal with 4 dot balls before the wicket… thats test match cricket at its finest!
Amazing! Another article telling us Ben Stokes can play cricket good. What next? Article about how water is wet? Truly rivetting journalism from the cricket world today.
So his shoulder works when England needs wickets but mysteriously hurts when they need him to bowl more overs in county cricket? Intresting how that works innit
Did anyone else notice Stokes literally limping between overs and still managing to bowl 140+ kmph deliveries?? Man looked like he was carrying the entire England team on that dodgy shoulder lmao. Absolute madlad behavior 😂
Honestly dont get the hype around this match. Stokes was ok but people acting like he just won the world cup single handidly or something lol
For those wondering about the shoulder issue – Stokes had been managing a chronic injury since the Ashes. His spell yesterday involved bowling 8 overs straight with 3 maidens, taking 2 crucial wickets at economy of just 2.1. The statement was clear: he’s back to full fitness and ready for the Test series.
People need to understand the context here. This wasn’t just about wickets – it was about Stokes proving his fitness after months of doubt. The selectors needed to see if he could handle sustained spells under pressure, and he deliverd exactly that. Weather conditions in Manchester also played a part with overcast skies helping swing.
Oh yes, another ‘statement’ from Ben Stokes. Because we definitely needed another reminder that he can bowl and bat. Truly groundbreaking stuff happening at Old Trafford yesterday.
Everyone keeps praising Stokes but conviniently forgetting that India was already struggling before he even came on to bowl?? The pitch was doing all the work, any decent bowler would of gotten wickets there.
Overated performance if you ask me. India’s batting lineup has been shaky all tour anyway.
But can we really call this a ‘statement’ when he’s playing against an Indian middle order that collapses more often than my wifi connection? Just saying what everyones thinking
STOKES IS GOAT!!! That was insane bowling!!!
Stokes is absolute legend! That spell was pure class, showing why he’s one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. His shoulder must be feeling better now.