England’s thrilling victory over India in the recent Lord’s Test was marked by a sensational all-round show from their captain, Ben Stokes. Stokes, who led from the front with both bat and ball, bowled a marathon 44 overs, the highest by any English bowler in the match—a remarkable feat for an all-rounder recovering from a hamstring injury. His willingness to take on such an exhausting workload as skipper has attracted attention to how well he manages his physical limits. Former England captain Joe Root, who handed over the captaincy to Stokes, made a candid revelation about managing Stokes’ workload—and how Stokes has always been resolute in his own approach.
Ben Stokes’ defiance of Joe Root’s advice
Root openly admitted that managing Stokes’ workload has never been an easy task. Despite attempting to advise and regulate Stokes during his own captaincy tenure, Root confessed in a press conference, “You can try, but it doesn’t make any difference. I tried for five years. I mentioned it, but he doesn’t always listen to me. He didn’t listen to me when I was captain!” This frank acknowledgment highlights Stokes’ fiercely independent nature in deciding how much he pushes himself on the field.
The Lord’s Test was a case in point: Stokes bowled extended spells, including 9.2 overs in a single session and 10 more in the afternoon, despite concern from the coaching staff. England’s bowling consultant Tim Southee was even sent to gently prod him to rest, but Stokes chose to keep going, demonstrating his desire to lead by example in the most physically demanding situations. Root’s words reveal that Stokes’ unyielding commitment—perhaps occasionally bordering on stubbornness—has been instrumental in his performances over the years but comes with its challenges.
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Root admires Stokes’ leadership and resilience on the field
Root’s reflections on Stokes extend beyond workload concerns, praising the captain’s determination and self-awareness. While Root admitted he “panicked” watching Stokes bowl such lengthy spells, he also recognized the positive side: Stokes clearly knows his body well and has developed a fine understanding of his physical limits following injury setbacks.
“He’s just desperate to be the man and make things happen, it’s a great sign for us moving forward because that’s back to his best. He’s got that mentality and that desire to win games, and we’re lucky to have him as our leader,” Root added.” Root’s admiration underscores Stokes’ transformation into not just a key all-rounder but a captain whose resolve inspires the entire team.
Stokes’ recent performances symbolize England’s renewed confidence and fighting spirit, especially in red-ball cricket. His ability to shoulder multiple responsibilities—batting, bowling, and captaincy—while leading a comeback win against a formidable Indian side at Lord’s reassures England fans and teammates alike about their prospects in the remaining matches of the series and beyond.
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