Trisha Ghosal in London
After five relentless days and one final act of defiance from Shoaib Bashir’s bruised hand, England edged India by 22 runs in a classic at Lord’s. It’s the kind of win that usually sparks champagne and noise—but Ben Stokes, drained and thoughtful, spoke more like a man recovering from battle than celebrating conquest. In his post-match press conference, the England skipper addressed his side’s intensity, the quiet triumph of Bashir, the physical toll on himself, and the controlled aggression of both sides in a series on a knife edge.
“Pretty cooked”: Was there anything left in the tank?
“I’ve bowled 45 overs in a Test and won before, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt this drained,” Stokes admitted. “Physically and emotionally, it takes a toll. The celebrations were subdued—not because the win didn’t matter, but because I had nothing left to give.”
On Bashir’s broken finger and big heart
The offspinner, nursing a broken little finger, returned to claim the final wicket. “The courage he showed—just sitting on the bench, waiting to be called upon—was incredible,” Stokes said. “Not many would’ve had the guts to bowl or face Bumrah in that condition.”
Tempers flared—did it cross the line?
Stokes didn’t see anything untoward. “You’ve got 22 people out there, playing for their countries. Tensions rise, sure, but I don’t think anyone’s crying about what was said. It’s Test cricket. It’s meant to be intense.”
Jofra’s gut-punch moment: “Felt it in my tummy”
Stokes credited Jofra Archer’s early morning spell as the turning point. “Sometimes you wake up and just know. It felt right in my gut that Jof would do something today. And he did.”
On decision-making and captaining under fatigue
“It’s not just about bowling yourself into the ground,” he explained. “You’re also thinking constantly—field placements, bowling changes, momentum. That emotional and mental exhaustion is real.”
The Root factor: “Still the same old Joe”
“Rooty’s the best batter in the world in all conditions,” said Stokes. “It was tough to score freely on this wicket, but he judged it perfectly. He’s still the same lad I’ve known since we were 12—but now, he’s a legend.”
A day to remember, six years after another one
On the World Cup anniversary, Stokes chuckled. “I reminded Bash—he thought I was talking about that Ganguly game! But this felt special too. Winning a Test on Day 5, when everything’s on the line? That’s pure sport.”
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