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England captain Joe Root stated his aspect was in “the presence of greatness” following all-rounder Ben Stokes’ newest commanding show in Monday’s second Test in opposition to the West Indies at Old Trafford. Stokes laid the platform for a 113-run victory that noticed England degree the three-match collection at 1-1 with 176 in a primary innings of 469/9 declared. Stokes was required to bat fastidiously in troublesome circumstances, a degree underlined by the very fact it took him 255 balls to achieve his century.
But Stokes’ capability to adapt his recreation to completely different conditions was brilliantly demonstrated throughout England’s second innings when, promoted to open in a seek for fast runs, he struck 78 not out off simply 57 balls as West Indies have been set an imposing goal of 312 to win.
Stokes’ batting alone would have justified the man-of-the-match award he duly obtained, however he then proved his value with the ball as nicely.
The West Indies, having slumped to 37/4, stored the hosts at bay throughout a fifth wicket stand of precisely 100 between Shamarh Brooks and Jermaine Blackwood.
‘Mr Incredible’
But it was paceman Stokes who broke the stand when, throughout a sometimes dedicated stint, he produced a brief ball on the stroke of tea that Blackwood might solely glove to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.
“He’s Mr Incredible. I suppose,” Root advised reporters as he in contrast Stokes to the cartoon superhero of the identical identify.
“I certainly think he can keep performing at this level. I think the sky’s the limit for him really.”
It’s one factor to establish the time to up the tempo however one other to try this as easily as Stokes did on this match, with the 29-year-old Durham star’s pure expertise now coupled to a heightened tactical consciousness.
“To have such a complete game, and so many different gears at your disposal, allows you the ability to keep getting better,” stated Root.
The previous yr has seen Stokes play a key function in England’s World Cup final win over his native New Zealand at Lord’s earlier than his staggering 135 not out secured a outstanding one-wicket victory over Australia within the third Ashes Test at Headingley.
And Root, again skippering England after lacking West Indies’ four-wicket win within the first Test — the place Stokes deputised as captain — to attend the start of his second baby, forecast extra of the identical from the staff’s talisman.
“If he continues to read situations the way he is, and keeps the confidence that he’s playing with at the moment, there’s no reason why we can’t continue to see such brilliant performances as we have done this week, and over the last 12 months really.
“I believe everybody understands that we’re watching a participant on the peak of his powers, on the peak of world cricket, delivering time and time once more.
“We have to savour that, we have to appreciate that and understand that we are, without trying to pump his tyres too much, in the presence of greatness.”
With the finale in a behind closed doorways marketing campaign that marks worldwide cricket’s return following the coronavirus lockdown beginning at Old Trafford on Friday, Stokes gave England a scare when he could not full the 15th over of his bowling spell.
Promoted
“It was just my body starting to get really stiff. I’m fine,” Stokes insisted.
“I’ll give everything to the team, whatever is asked of me. It’s a case of doing what’s needed at the time.”
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