Ben Stokes produced a remarkable all-round performance to inspire England to a thrilling 22-run victory over India in the third Test at Lord’s.
The win gave the hosts a 2–1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which has been a riveting contest so far.
In a match defined by fine margins and momentum swings, Stokes stood out with crucial contributions across all departments, earning him the Player of the Match award.
With the bat, Stokes made vital scores of 44 and 33 in each innings, steering England through tricky spells and helping to set and chase competitive totals. However, it was with the ball where he truly excelled, sending down 44 overs across both innings, more than any other bowler, and claiming a pivotal five-wicket haul. His late breakthroughs in India’s tense second innings were instrumental in securing the win.
One of the turning points came when Stokes ran out Rishabh Pant with a sharp piece of fielding, shifting the balance of the match in England’s favour. Bowling at speeds exceeding 85mph despite physical discomfort, he delivered probing spells and dismissed key batters including KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah in the final stretch, showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Having recently returned from a serious hamstring injury and a gruelling rehabilitation, Stokes’s performance was hailed as inspirational. Joe Root described it as a “great sign” of his return to peak form, and English media praised his resilience and leadership, comparing him to a “modern-day Ian Botham.”
It was a vintage display from England’s talisman, who once again proved to be the difference in a classic Lord’s contest.
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