England captain Joe Root said his side was in “the presence of greatness” following all-rounder Ben Stokes’ latest commanding display in Mo...
England captain Joe Root said his side was in “the presence of greatness” following all-rounder Ben Stokes’ latest commanding display in Monday’s second Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford.
Stokes laid the platform for a 113-run victory that saw England level the three-match series at 1-1 with 176 in a first innings of 469/9 declared. Stokes was required to bat carefully in difficult conditions, a point underlined by the fact it took him 255 balls to reach his century.
But Stokes’ ability to adapt his game to different situations was brilliantly demonstrated during England’s second innings when, promoted to open in a search for quick runs, he struck 78 not out off just 57 balls as West Indies were an imposing target of 312 to win.
Stokes’ batting alone would have justified the man-of-the-match award he duly received, but he then proved his worth with the ball as well. The West Indies, having slumped to 37/4, kept the hosts at bay during a fifth wicket stand of exactly 100 between Shamarh Brooks and Jermaine Blackwood.
‘Mr Incredible’
But it was paceman Stokes who broke the stand when, during a typically committed stint, he produced a short ball on the stroke of tea that Blackwood could only glove...
