England Test captain Ben Stokes dazzles at Lord’s with an all-round performance, becoming the first cricketer ever to win four Player of the Match awards at the iconic venue.
Ben Stokes once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket. Leading England in the third Test of the five-match series against India at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Stokes delivered a stunning performance with both bat and ball to secure a memorable win for his team.
In the match held at the "Home of Cricket," Stokes showcased his characteristic grit and versatility. He contributed 44 runs and claimed two wickets in the first innings. Continuing his impactful form, he followed up with another 33 runs and three wickets in the second innings. This remarkable all-round effort earned him the prestigious Player of the Match (POTM) award.
This latest accolade at Lord’s wasn't just another trophy for the shelf—it was history in the making. With this win, Stokes became the first cricketer in history to win four Player of the Match awards in Test matches at Lord’s. He surpassed the likes of Joe Root, Stuart Broad, and Glenn McGrath, who have each secured three POTM awards at this historic ground.
The 34-year-old English skipper now boasts 11 POTM awards across 114 Test matches, solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s premier match-winners.
Stokes’ incredible
journey at Lord’s began back in 2015 when he earned his first POTM title. Representing Alastair Cook's
side, he blasted 92 off 94 balls in the first innings and followed it up with a fiery 101 off 92 balls in the second. His contribution with the ball was equally vital,
taking three wickets for 38 runs in 11 overs.
In 2017, his dominance at Lord’s continued. Facing
the West Indies in a Test from September 7 to 9, Stokes delivered a career-defining bowling spell, picking up six
wickets for just 22 runs in 14.3 overs. He also added 60 runs from 74 balls to ensure a comfortable nine-wicket victory under the leadership
of Joe Root.
Two years later,
in the iconic 2019 Ashes Test at Lord’s, he once again stood tall when it mattered most.
Although his first-innings contribution was limited to 13 runs, his unbeaten 115 in the second innings was a masterclass
that earned him his third POTM at the venue.
With each
performance at Lord’s, Ben Stokes has etched his name deeper into the annals of
cricketing history. His latest milestone reinforces not only his love affair
with the ground but also his role as the driving force behind England's
resurgence in Test cricket.
No comments:
Post a Comment