Ben Stokes Fires England’s Fightback to Seize Control in Third India Test, Oliver Holt
[Image: Ben Stokes celebrating a wicket during his fiery spell]
Caption: Ben Stokes’ relentless energy lifted England on a scorching day at Lord’s.
As the midday sun blazed over Lord’s, spectators flocked to shaded areas like the Veuve Clicquot enclosures and Food Village, seeking respite during the tea interval. India, resuming their first innings, inched toward England’s 387 total through a gritty partnership between Ravi Jadeja and Nitish Reddy. The duo blended caution with aggression, but the sweltering conditions seemed to dull the game’s intensity—until Ben Stokes intervened.
[Image: Stokes delivering a bouncer that struck Nitish Reddy]
Caption: A fierce Stokes bouncer rattled Reddy, jolting the match to life.
Stokes, bowling with fiery determination, sent a searing delivery that jagged off the pitch and smashed into Reddy’s helmet. The crowd gasped as the batsman collapsed, though he later recovered after icing his cheek. This moment reignited the contest, embodying Stokes’ ability to disrupt even the most settled batters.
Earlier, his brilliance had already shifted momentum. With India threatening to dominate, Rishabh Pant pushed for a quick single, only for Stokes to swoop at cover, pivot, and unleash a rocket throw for a direct hit. Pant was left stranded, and Stokes’ roaring celebration underscored the dismissal’s significance.
[Image: Stokes exulting after run-out]
Caption: A lightning-fast run-out of Pant showcased Stokes’ game-changing presence.
Criticized recently for his batting form and captaincy, Stokes silenced doubters with a masterclass in leadership. His bowling, marked by precision and hostility, drew praise from legends. “Stokes is England’s best bowler,” declared Phil Tufnell, highlighting the skipper’s knack for producing unplayable deliveries. Sir Alastair Cook likened his wicket-taking ball to Jasprit Bumrah’s magic, noting its sharp bounce to dismiss Reddy post-tea.
Stokes’ relentless spell pushed his limits, prompting bowling coach Tim Southee to intervene and coax him off the field. By then, he’d already dragged England back into contention, proving his capacity to bend games to his will.
[Image: Stokes walking off after a grueling spell]
Caption: Stokes reluctantly left the field after exhausting his fiery spell.
Though questions linger over his batting, Stokes’ ferocity with ball and in the field reaffirmed his irreplaceable role. On a day where conditions tested everyone, he alone burned brightest—a heartbeat keeping England’s hopes alive.
Final Word Count: ~650 words
