Published: Aug 08, 2015, 02:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 08, 2015, 02:51 AM (IST)
Ben Stokes proved on Day Two of the fourth Ashes 2015 Test that when their frontline pacers fail to pick up wickets, he is more than capable of filling in to put his side in the driver’s seat. Stokes picked up a five-wicket haul that dented any hopes of an Australian comeback. Despite a century opening stand between David Warner and Chris Rogers, Stokes started Australia’s downfall by picking up three out of the first four wickets to fall ahead of tea to give momentum back to England. Pramod Ananth feels that while Stokes is an excellent supporting bowler, he has the capability to step up when the situation arises. READ: Ben Stokes’ 5-wicket haul resricts Australia to 241/7 at stumps on Day 2 of the Ashes 2015 Test at Trent Bridge
Stuart Broad starred for England in the first innings, scalping a record 8 for 15 which resulted in Australia folding for just 60. Stokes was not even required to bowl in the first innings as the three fast bowlers — with Mark Wood and Steven Finn being the other two — wrapped things up in the 19th over of the innings. Broad was not as deadly as he was in the first innings the second time around, and Australia’s opening batsmen made the best use of it by putting him away whenever they got the opportunity. Wood and Finn too were not able to get their side a wicket. Stokes then stepped up and got into the groove almost immediately. He first got rid of Rogers and soon followed it up with the wicket of Warner. Shaun Marsh’s horror run continued as he was taken out immediately. England sensed they could knock a few more off with juts moments to go for tea. READ: Australia fulfil Steven Smith’s prophecy in the worst way possible!
Broad got rid of Steve Smith just before tea and there was a chance that the match could possibly get over in the following session. Australia offered some brief resistance but England kept pegging away with wickets. After Wood got rid of Michael Clarke, Stokes got the wicket of Peter Nevill and Mitchell Johnson to register another Test five-wicket haul. Stokes bowled in good areas and persisted with a nagging line; something that other bowlers failed to do. READ: Cricket needs men like Ben Stokes
Stokes showed that he is no mug with the bat against New Zealand at Lord’s earlier in the summer, and now he is showing his temperament with the ball as well. Even in the current match he got rid of two of the batsmen who were in good form — Warner and Rogers — and followed it up with a few more in the middle. Australia clearly missed their fourth seamer in this match and England having Stokes in the game has tilted the game in their favour. READ: Ben Stokes plays two career-defining knocks against New Zealand in 1st Test at Lord’s
England have surely found a champion all-rounder among their ranks, with many likening him to Andrew Flintoff. If he is consistent, he has a great future ahead of him. Keeping himself injury-free will be key, but he is that sort of player who can be included in the team purely as a batsman or a bowler, which is a major bonus for England. READ: Ben Stokes rekindles the spirit of Andrew Flintoff
(Pramod Ananth is a reporter at CricketCountry. He has represented Karnataka table tennis under-15, and is a hardcore supporter of Liverpool FC. His Twitter handle is @pramz)
