Former England captain Joe Root has heaped praise on Ben Stokes following his all-round masterclass at Lord’s, calling it a sign of England returning to its best just in time for a pivotal stretch in the Test series.
In a performance that had both grit and flair, Ben Stokes delivered one of his most complete displays in recent memory during England’s thrilling 22-run victory over India at Lord’s. Stokes bowled an astonishing 44 overs, picking up five wickets, chipped in with 77 valuable runs, and executed a game-changing run-out—a workload that left even seasoned pros like Joe Root in awe.
“He didn’t listen to me when I was captain, so I had to trust him now,” Root joked, reflecting on Stokes’ leadership and sheer determination. The jest, however, came with genuine admiration. Root admitted he was initially nervous about Stokes’ fitness, especially given his recent injury issues.
“I was panicking that he wasn’t going to make it through the game, but he’s desperate to be the man and make things happen,” Root said. “It’s a great sign for us moving forward.”
Stokes, now leading England’s Test side, has consistently shouldered immense responsibility. At Lord’s, it was more than leadership—it was a statement. His relentless bowling effort underlined his commitment, while his timely runs ensured England had enough on the board to challenge India’s formidable batting lineup.
The result? England now holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with momentum firmly in their favor.
Root’s comments add to a growing sentiment in the dressing room that Stokes’ return to form and fitness could not have come at a better time. For fans, pundits, and players alike, Lord’s served as a powerful reminder of what England is capable of when their talisman is firing on all cylinders.
As the series heads into its final two matches, England’s resurgence—powered by Stokes’ tenacity and backed by Root’s belief—has suddenly turned the tide. And if Lord’s was anything to go by, Stokes isn’t done yet.
