Ben Stokes has been unstoppable on Day 5 of the Lord’s Test between India and England. The star all-rounder bowled a long 9.2-over spell to start the day, taking KL Rahul‘s wicket. Stokes bowled with a lot of speed and was right in the face of the Indian hitters, reminding them of the huge strain they were under at the Home of Cricket.
Former England cricketer Stuart Broad believes Ben Stokes was irritated by way the Indian squad picked out and sledged opening batsman Zak Crawley at the conclusion of Day 3.
“What would have motivated him in this game was the Indian team’s targeting of Zak Crawley in that one over. It was a lot of fun to see, but he wouldn’t have loved the fact that one of his players was out there alone, with only Ben Duckett for company and the rest of the squad chasing after him,” Broad told Sky Sports Cricket.
I can’t recall the last time I saw this England squad be so verbal. Stuart Broad
Broad, who played for England from 2006 to 2023, couldn’t recall the last time he saw the Three Lions be as vociferous as they were during the third Test. He cited several instances in which England delivered verbal volleys at the Shubman Gill-led squad.
“I can’t recall the last time I saw this England squad so outspoken. Archer bowls the bouncer to Reddy—duck, bang—and everyone around him notices he’s under strain. “That sparked,” the Nottingham native said.
“Stokes is bowling while conversing, telling the batsmen they’re under pressure and encouraging them to drive. He’s starting a mental struggle and attempting to change the Indian psyche. “His team is right beside him,” he added.
The third Test carries massive significance as the winner will take a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with only two games left to play.
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