Ben Stokes has become the key man in the current Test series with India, showing just why he might be regarded as the best all-rounder in the game. His bowling has been superlative, taking 16 wickets, the most of any bowler in the series. As England begin the fifth day of the Test, alarm bells start ringing over Stokes’ ability to bowl. Concerns over his performance concerning is his recent heavy workload.
Stokes has bowled 129 overs over the series, his most in a Test series. In the first innings, his class and brilliance shined through. This performance only served to deepen the impression that he’s been England’s most consistent seamer this summer. His immense contributions took an equally heavy physical toll on him. By day four, his fatigue was starting to show out in the field. What was obvious to everyone who saw Stokes was that he was frequently hunched over—hands on knees. At times, he appeared to be fighting against an apparent tightness in his left hamstring.
While not a failure, Stokes suffered setbacks, nevertheless leaving an indelible impression with the bat. This year, he scored an awe-inspiring 141 runs in just the morning session of the game. This was his first Test century scored in a span of two years, indicating not just his patience but his caliber as a player. In the second innings, he didn’t bowl at all. As it happened, India instead played the waiting game to perfection, reaching 174 for two by the close of the fourth day.
“His absence from the attack made our bowling look toothless,” commented a worried fan of the England team as they faced a formidable Indian side. As a result, there was much speculation over Stokes’ fitness and his ability to play a vital role on the fifth day.
Marcus Trescothick, England’s batting coach, expressed concerns about managing Stokes’ workload. He stated, “You have to manage everyone – him no different because of his impact as captain of the team you want him playing as many games as possible.” Trescothick was adamant that keeping a check on Stokes’ overs will do him – and the team – good in the future.
“We are still hopeful he will be better tomorrow and come back out, be a bit looser and ready to go again,” he added, indicating that there remains a possibility for Stokes to re-enter the bowling attack.
His teammate Ollie Pope calmed fans’ fears when he declared that Stokes was “fine for this one” in reference to his fitness. Michael Vaughan’s claim that Stokes is “super-human at times” definitely highlights just some of the impossible standards he’s expected to live up to.
As England heads into a make-or-break fifth day, Stokes’ fitness is still the front page headline. His capacity to control his bowling load will be critical if England should overcome India in the semi-final. Stokes is the glue in the entire seam-bowling operation. Whether or not they can keep him fit and ready will go a long way in determining the outcome of this hard-fought, closely contested series.
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