Ben Stokes’ performance in the Lord’s Test, where England won against India, has brought up questions about how much he is doing. He is not only an all-rounder trying to do his best with both batting and bowling but also the captain of the team. Even with all these duties, Stokes has generally played very well, whether with the bat, the ball, or as a leader.
When England batter Joe Root was asked how Stokes’ workload is being handled, he said that Stokes does not listen to anyone, even when Root was the captain. You can try, but it does not matter. I tried for five years, Root said. I said something, but he does not always listen to me. He did not listen to me when I was captain!
Stokes bowled 44 overs in the Lord’s Test, which was the most for any English bowler in the game. This is very high, not only for an all-rounder, but also for a fast bowler. Stokes’ work ethic has even made people wonder why Team India is so interested in protecting Bumrah’s workload when Stokes can do more, as an all-rounder.
Root is thankful for how Stokes has continued to handle all his duties. That’s his decision now. It was an amazing thing to do, but that’s just how he is, I suppose. He really wants to be the person who makes things happen. This is a good thing for us going forward because he is back to his best. He has that mindset and that wish to win games, and we are fortunate to have him as our leader, he added.
I was scared that he would not finish the game after a couple of bad injuries, but he clearly trusts his body now, he said.
He understands what he is doing, and he knows where he is physically, he added.