SUPER BEN

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Old Trafford, Manchester [June-July 2020].

In the summer of 2020, the West Indies Cricket Team embarked on a tour to England for a series of 3 test matches. Originally planned for May, the series was postponed for a month due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, because of Covid restrictions, the matches were held without spectators. The Windies claimed victory in the first test at Southampton, taking a 1-0 lead in the series, before proceeding to Manchester for the remaining matches. A draw or win in the second match would have allowed the Windies to retain the Wisden Trophy, while the hosts needed victories in both tests to secure the series.

In a crucial test, West Indian Captain Jason Holder won the toss and elected to field first. The visitors made an impressive start by taking three early wickets, with the score at 81/3 when Ben Stokes entered the crease. Facing a precarious situation, Stokes delivered one of the finest test innings, scoring a magnificent 176 runs from 356 deliveries, guiding his team to a competitive total of 469. His innings, featuring 17 boundaries and 2 sixes, shifted the momentum firmly in England's favor.

In reply to England's 469, the Windies managed 287 runs in their first innings, avoiding the follow-on but conceding an advantage to the English. However, adverse weather conditions resulted in reduced overs, prompting England to aim for quick runs in the second innings and hasten the Windies' return to bat. In a bold move, Ben Stokes was sent to open the innings and responded impressively with a rapid 78* off 57 balls, as England declared at 129/3.

With the Windies tasked with chasing 312 runs in around 85 overs and England needing 10 wickets for victory, the chase promised to be challenging. English bowlers, led by Stuart Broad, rose to the occasion, dismissing the Windies for just 198 runs in their second innings. Ben Stokes, for his outstanding performances with both bat and ball, was named the man of the match. His contributions were pivotal in England's series-levelling victory, eventually clinching the series 2-1, a feat made possible in large part by his exceptional performances.

To watch the performance of Ben Stokes, Click Here.