India’s cricket star Virat Kohli has praised England’s Ben Stokes for his exceptional performance on the final day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Kohli described Stokes’s innings as of the highest quality and admitted that he is one of the most competitive players he has faced in his career.
Stokes nearly led England to an improbable victory on a challenging two-paced surface, when they needed 257 runs to win on the fifth day. The 32-year-old batsman came to the crease under immense pressure on day four, with England struggling at 45-4 in pursuit of a daunting 371-run target. However, Stokes managed to weather the storm and guided the home team to Stumps at 114-4 alongside Ben Duckett, who had scored a half-century. The partnership between the two players reached 68 runs by the end of day four.
On the final day, Duckett was dismissed for 83 after gloving a delivery from Josh Hazlewood, and Jonny Bairstow was stumped by Alex Carey in a controversial manner. With England’s hopes hanging in the balance, Stokes took matters into his own hands and reached his century with three consecutive sixes off Cameron Green just before lunch.
Australia entered the lunch break with a sense of nervousness, as Stokes continued his aggressive batting in partnership with Stuart Broad. The duo added 108 runs to the scoreboard before Hazlewood ended the partnership by dismissing Stokes, who edged the ball to backward point where Carey completed a simple catch. Stokes received a standing ovation from the crowd and praise from his counterpart Pat Cummins and the Australian vice-captain Steve Smith.
While acknowledging Stokes’s remarkable innings, Kohli also admitted that Australia’s performance has been exceptional throughout the series. Australia eventually bowled England out for 327, securing a 43-run victory and taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
It is worth noting that India remains focused on their own upcoming matches and the challenges they face. Kohli and the Indian team are aware and respectful of Australia’s current form and success. As they continue their preparations, the Indian team aims to build a strong and competitive squad to take on Australia and other opponents in future competitions.
The series between England and Australia has captivated cricket fans worldwide, showcasing the spirit and skill of both teams. With many standout performances and thrilling moments, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the next match to witness more gripping action on the field.
In conclusion, Ben Stokes’s exceptional innings at Lord’s has earned praise from none other than Virat Kohli. Stokes’s competitive spirit and his ability to thrive under pressure have left a lasting impression on Kohli and other players around the world. As the cricketing world continues to evolve, these moments of brilliance remind us of the excitement and unpredictability that make the sport so fascinating.
