England captain Ben Stokes received a standing ovation from everyone present at the Lord’s on the fifth day of the ongoing second Ashes 2023 Test match against Australia. Frankly speaking, a blinder of a knock which handed England a chance of sealing the highest successful run-chase at this iconic venue deserved such a grand response.
Resuming from his overnight score of 29*, Stokes didn’t take a lot of time in changing gears after the dismissal of wicket-keeper batter Jonny Bairstow (10). Realizing how he was the only remaining specialist batter, Stokes hit five fours and eight sixes out of a total of nine fours and sixes each that he hit during the course of his 13th Test century.
Stokes, who ended up with a masterly 155 (214) at a strike rate of 72.42, scored 93 (88) post Bairstow walked back to the dressing room due to a silly dismissal.
Perhaps motivated to prove a point to the Aussies for the manner in which they dismissed Bairstow in spite of there being nothing wrong with it, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Stokes countered a short-ball attack the best among all the batters who are playing this match. For the unversed, this match has already enticed a lot of interest due to fast bowlers opting to bowl short instead of trying to swing the ball in English conditions.
Ben Stokes Gets Standing Ovation From Lord’s For 13th Test Century
As a result, Australian players such as Steven Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins and several others made it a point to walk up to Stokes and congratulate him for what is unequivocally one of the greatest fourth innings knock in this format. A primary reason behind the Australians wholeheartedly patting on Stokes’ back could be how he made them wrap their minds around a potential loss.
Apart from the players, everybody ranging from English players and support staff and a jam-packed stadium appreciated the 32-year old player’s hellish effort on Sunday.
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Readers must note that Stokes’ thumping ton saw him crossing the 100-run mark for the eighth time at home and at No. 6, fourth time against Australia, third in the fourth innings and second as captain in Test cricket.
