Despite a poor run with the bat, England captain Ben Stokes remains hopeful of a big score at Lord’s as the IND vs ENG series stands level at 1-1. He dismisses memories of his iconic 155-run Ashes knock at the same venue in 2023, focusing instead on leading England in the high-stakes third Test.
London [UK], July 10:
As the third Test between England and India begins at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, England captain Ben Stokes has made it clear that he is not living in the past. In the pre-match press conference, Stokes brushed aside talk of his unforgettable 155-run knock against Australia at the same venue during the 2023 Ashes, stating, “That was two years ago, so pretty over that now.”
While that innings remains one of his finest at Lord’s, Stokes emphasized that his focus is squarely on the present and future. “Hopefully the score is around the corner,” said the all-rounder, signalling his intent to deliver with the bat in the ongoing India vs England Test series, currently tied 1-1.
📉 Stokes’ Form Under the Scanner
Stokes’ contributions with the bat in the current series have been modest at best. Across four innings, he has scored just 86 runs, with a highest score of 33. However, his bowling has been more effective, claiming six wickets, including a four-wicket haul at Leeds in the second Test.
Since the start of 2023, Stokes has struggled to find consistent form in red-ball cricket. In 16 Tests, he has scored 697 runs at a below-par average of 26.81, with only five half-centuries and a top score of 80. Given his stature and ability to produce brilliance under pressure, critics and fans alike are eager to see him return to his best.
🏏 Lord’s: A Happy Hunting Ground
If there’s one venue that could reignite Stokes’ form, it’s Lord’s. The left-hander has an impressive record at the Home of Cricket, having amassed 843 runs in 12 matches (20 innings) at an average of 44.36. He has scored three centuries and five fifties at the venue, with the memorable 155 against Australia being his highest score here.
🇮🇳 Record Against India: Mixed Bag
Against India, Stokes’ record is less flattering. In 21 Tests, he has scored 1,058 runs at an average of just 24.60, which includes five fifties and a lone century (128). As a senior figure in the team, and with the series finely balanced, this Lord’s Test presents the ideal opportunity for him to better his stats against India.
Meanwhile, Team India comes into the third Test with high morale after a dominant win at Edgbaston. Notably, India has won two of their last three Tests at Lord’s, adding pressure on the home side.
🧢 England Playing XI for the 3rd Test vs India:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (C)
- Jamie Smith (WK)
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Jofra Archer
- Shoaib Bashir
With the series locked and both teams seeking an edge at the halfway mark, all eyes will be on Stokes—not just as a captain, but as a match-winner who needs to step up when it matters most.