I still have nightmares about Ben Stokes’ Headingley innings: Justin Langer

England and Australia are all set to lock horns against each other in the high-profile Ashes, commencing from December 08. Talking in the same line, Australia head coach Justin Langer opened up on all-rounder Ben Stokes’ Headingley masterclass from 2019. The head coach also stated that he is happy that Stokes is back to international cricket with upcoming Ashes after having a long break for mental health.

Star all-rounder Stokes produced a classy inning two-and-a-half years back when the two superpowers played against each other on English soil. Stokes turned the fate of the game by surreal bowling and then gave the finishing touch to the game by playing an unbeaten knock of 135 runs. While England can never forget this valuable effort from Stokes, it seems like even Langer can’t get rid of it and even admitted of still having its nightmares.

“He’s a great cricketer, no doubt about that. I still have nightmares about his innings in that third Test. I probably have more nightmares about his spell on day three of that game. He’s an unbelievable athlete and a great competitor,” said Langer as quoted by Belfast Telegraph.

It’s great for the game of cricket that Ben Stokes is playing Ashes: Langer

It was known for all that Stokes was out of international cricket for quite some time to address his mental health issues and it was in doubt whether he would return for Ashes. However, Langer added that it is great to see the all-rounder back for the clash and the tournament wouldn’t have been the same without him. He also added that it was a little difficult to name Australia’s XI ahead of the first Ashes Test.

“It’s great for the game of cricket that Ben Stokes is playing Ashes cricket. We all love it as an Australian summer and it probably wouldn’t be the same without the best players playing. It’s nice to see and hopefully, his health is good. We welcome him here because he is one of the superstars of the game,” he added.