Usman Khawaja found himself trapped in a recurring nightmare at Lord’s in 2023, not solely due to the abuse the Australians faced from unruly MCC members on the final day of a notorious Test match. Overshadowed by the controversy was the remarkable performance of England’s captain, Ben Stokes, whose batting prowess nearly turned the tide in England’s favor.
With England struggling at 4-45 on Day 4 in pursuit of a daunting target of 370, Stokes walked to the crease at Lord’s, a ground steeped in cricketing history, with the odds stacked against him. The left-hander, alongside Ben Duckett, managed to survive until stumps, leaving England needing 256 runs on the final day. As long as Stokes was at the crease, the Australians remained on edge.
Throughout 50 intense overs, marked by Alex Carey’s controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow, Stokes launched a fierce assault on the Australian bowlers. He was powerful, audacious, and a spectacle to behold. Khawaja, recalling Stokes’s heroic unbeaten century at Headingley in 2019, felt a familiar sense of dread.
“The thing you have always got to worry about is when their backs are against the wall, like the Headingley match or in the World Cup final (in 2019) when they needed him, he always rose to those occasions,” Khawaja told foxsports.com.au.
It wasn’t until Stokes, running out of partners, edged a Josh Hazlewood delivery to Carey and fell for 155 that Australians felt a wave of relief. The final margin was 43 runs, granting Australia a 2-0 lead in the series. Yet, with Nathan Lyon sidelined due to injury and Stokes in formidable form, it was a close call that shifted the series’ momentum.
The All-Rounder’s Legacy
Ben Stokes is often compared to cricketing legends. Mark Waugh describes him as bringing the “fear factor,” while Nathan Lyon ranks him alongside Jacques Kallis as one of the greatest all-rounders. Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes England’s hopes rest heavily on Stokes’s shoulders.
Stokes, born in New Zealand and son of rugby league icon Gerard Stokes, has consistently stood up to the Australians since his first tour in 2013. His resilience and ability to defy odds, even against medical advice, are legendary. An anecdote from his school days illustrates this: after breaking his arm, Stokes’s father cut off his cast so he could play a crucial match, where he scored a century.
Despite a body worn by injuries, Stokes continues to inspire. David Warner, who played alongside him at Durham, admires his tenacity. “He’s had a lot of injuries… but to still be on the park today, bowling and batting the way he does… it’s admirable,” Warner said.
Comparisons to Cricketing Greats
Stokes’s style and impact draw comparisons to Andrew Flintoff, another iconic English all-rounder. Geraint Jones, former English keeper, likens Stokes’s dedication to Flintoff’s all-out approach. “He’s a bit like Freddie was for us. He gives absolutely everything,” Jones said.
In a recent series against India, Stokes showcased his match-winning capabilities, scoring 141 runs and taking six wickets. However, his relentless drive led to a shoulder injury, preventing him from playing the final Test, which India won to level the series.
“I’m not saying he’s everything to this England team, but I wouldn’t want to try and take Australia on in their own backyard without a Ben Stokes who can play all the facets in the game,” Vaughan said.
Leadership and Inspiration
Stokes’s leadership extends beyond his on-field exploits. Matthew Hoggard, a veteran of England’s 2005 Ashes win, believes Stokes’s presence elevates his teammates. “They want to bleed blood for England under Ben, to make sure that we come out with the right result in the end,” Hoggard said.
Ravi Shastri, former Indian coach, noted Stokes’s ability to inspire and lead from the front during the recent series against India. “His great strength is his ability to raise the bar when the chips are down,” Shastri said.
Stokes’s tactical acumen is also praised. Vaughan highlights his strategic brilliance, often overshadowed by the aggressive “BazBall” approach. “He’s just a brilliant leader. He’s an outstanding captain. He’s got that self-belief,” Vaughan said.
As England prepares for the upcoming Ashes series, Stokes’s role is pivotal. His leadership, coupled with his all-round capabilities, positions him as a central figure in England’s quest for victory. The countdown to the opening Test is on, and all eyes will be on Stokes as he leads his team into battle.
