Ben Stokes optimistic of stunning Ashes comeback
England skipper Ben Stokes’ phenomenal knock of 155 runs in the fourth innings of the Lord’s Test went in vain as Australia managed a comfortable 43-run win in the end. With that, the visitors are currently 2-0 up in the marquee Ashes series, and thus, the Three Lions are under extreme pressure at the moment.
It’s been eight years since England won the Ashes, and 2023 is arguably their best chance to do it. Courtesy of a new phenomenon, termed Bazball, the Ben Stokes-led side has revolutionised Test cricket and has been extremely successful. Thus, the skipper is hopeful that they can turn the tables this time around as well and win the series 3-2.
“Having experienced something similar, you are able to look back at it. Did take a lot out of Headingley, but unfortunately not to be. (On his innings compared to Headingley Test in 2019). Definitely felt we had a shout, but Australia changed their plans and that changed things for me. I had to take my risks to the longer side of the ground. Tough one to swallow, but it was a fantastic game. We are 2-0 down, but we got three games to go. We have won 3-0 against Pakistan, 3-0 against NZ so we have the belief that we can do it,” said Stokes during the post-match presentation.
The effort and energy everyone put in cannot be failed: Stokes
England bowlers were massively criticised on Day 1 of the second Test. The Aussie batters were all over them, and courtesy of the same, the Pat Cummins-led side posted 416 runs in the first innings, which eventually played a massive role in England’s defeat. Talking about the same, Stokes mentioned that the bowlers put in a lot of effort and energy, and thus, he is not ready to blame anyone.
“When you win the toss and bowl, you want to restrict them under 300 and the first day the lads got criticism, but the number of times the ball missed the bat was frustrating. Great effort from the guys to keep bowling that way. The effort and energy everyone has put in cannot be faulted. In the end, we have lost the Test match but lots of positives to take,“ he added.
