Ben Stokes has once again proven his world-class all-round abilities, with former England captain Nasser Hussain hailing his incredible return to form after knee surgery.
Stokes Shines with the Ball
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, has been leading from the front throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Despite recent knee surgery, he delivered a stellar performance in Manchester, claiming a crucial five-wicket haul against India.
This exceptional effort helped England restrict India to 358 runs, putting the hosts in a commanding position by the end of Day 2 of the fourth Test.
Hussain’s High Praise for Stokes’ Bowling
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain highlighted Stokes’ exceptional bowling this summer. “Against India this summer, I cannot remember him bowling a bad spell. He has been England’s best bowler in the series,” Hussain stated in his column for the Daily Mail.
Stokes’ 16 wickets in the series mark his career-best, an impressive feat for an all-rounder. His five-wicket haul in Manchester was also his first in eight years, showcasing his renewed impact with the ball.
The ‘Enforcer’ Role
Hussain noted that Stokes often takes on the tough “enforcer” role, especially when other frontline bowlers aren’t getting wickets easily. He’s the one doing the “hard donkey work,” bowling tirelessly on flat pitches.
This demanding style of bowling, Hussain suggests, is also a reason why Stokes has faced numerous injuries throughout his career, highlighting his commitment and intensity.
A Confident Comeback
Ahead of the series, there were questions about Stokes’ preparation, as he had played only one long-form game after his surgery. However, Hussain believes Stokes doesn’t need extensive warm-ups to perform at the highest level.
His increasing spell lengths in this series signal a strong comeback. “I see that as someone who is very confident in his body,” Hussain observed, underscoring Stokes’ physical resilience and determination.
Joining the Elite Club
Hussain offered the ultimate tribute, placing Stokes among the pantheon of all-time great all-rounders. Stokes has now joined cricketing legends Ian Botham, Garfield Sobers, and Jacques Kallis in an exclusive group.
This elite club includes players who have achieved 10 or more Test centuries and five or more five-wicket hauls. Stokes’ recent performances have solidified his place as one of the world’s truly great all-rounders when fully fit.
- Ben Stokes claimed a five-wicket haul against India, his first in eight years.
- He has taken 16 wickets in the series, a career-best for him.
- Nasser Hussain praised Stokes as England’s best bowler in the series, highlighting his role as an ‘enforcer’.
- Stokes joins cricketing legends Botham, Sobers, and Kallis in an exclusive group for his all-round Test achievements.
Stokes’ exceptional form continues to be a driving force for England, proving that a fit all-rounder like him can single-handedly change the course of a match.
