England’s hopes for victory in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s were dashed as Australia emerged triumphant by 43 runs. Despite the defeat, one player stood out for his exceptional batting performance – Ben Stokes.
Stokes, the England skipper, showcased his remarkable skills against the Australian pacers and delivered a sensational innings in the final day. He scored an impressive 155 runs from 214 balls, leaving spectators in awe of his prowess. Many believed that Stokes would replicate his Headingley heroics and lead England to victory once again, but unfortunately, his efforts fell just short.
Stokes entered the pitch when England was struggling at 45/4 in the final session on Day 4. He formed a crucial partnership with Ben Duckett, adding 132 runs to take the team’s total past 170. However, both Duckett and Jonny Bairstow fell quickly, putting pressure on Stokes to continue his excellent form. Undeterred, Stokes continued to score runs and managed to put up another partnership of 108 runs with Stuart Broad (11). Eventually, he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, sealing Australia’s win.
This was Stokes’s third Test century at Lord’s, his second one against Australia. In the 2019 Ashes, he scored an unbeaten 115 runs from 165 balls at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Additionally, in 2015, he smashed a quick-fire 102 runs off just 92 balls against New Zealand. Stokes has also registered five half-centuries at Lord’s, including one against Australia.
Overall, Stokes has an impressive record at Lord’s, amassing 869 runs in 11 Tests at an average of 46.61. His strike rate stands at 68.37 at this venue. Out of these 11 Tests, three have been against Australia, during which he has scored 387 runs at a remarkable average of 77.40.
Apart from his batting prowess, Stokes has also made significant contributions with his right-arm pace bowling at Lord’s, acquiring 22 wickets at an average of 32.68. His most memorable performance was a six-wicket haul (6/22) against the West Indies in 2017. Interestingly, he has only managed to take one wicket against Australia at Lord’s.
In the broader context of the Ashes, Stokes has accumulated 1,373 runs in 21 Tests against Australia at an average of 36.13. This includes four centuries and 41 wickets at 38.95, with two instances of a five-wicket haul (5W: 2).
Considering his overall Test career, Stokes has now reached an impressive milestone of 5,928 runs in 94 matches, with 13 centuries and 28 half-centuries. His highest individual score is an astonishing 258 runs. In terms of bowling, he has taken 197 wickets at an average of 32.07, including four instances of a five-wicket haul (5W: 4).
Stokes is on the verge of becoming the first England all-rounder to achieve the remarkable feat of scoring 6,000 runs and taking 200 wickets in Test cricket. His contribution to the sport has been exceptional, and he continues to be a key pillar of the English team.
In conclusion, although England fell short in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, Ben Stokes’s outstanding batting performance was undoubtedly a highlight of the match. Stokes has consistently delivered exceptional performances at Lord’s, displaying his all-around capabilities with both the bat and ball. As he nears the historic milestone of 6,000 Test runs and 200 wickets, Stokes continues to rewrite the record books and establish himself as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
