135 vs Australia (2nd test, Ashes 2019, Leeds)
Australia posted a target of 360 for England in the 2nd Test of the 2019 Ashes Series.
The English batsmen started well.
Ben Stokes strides in when England lost 3 for 140 runs and took his time. He was very defensive to save the day. He took 50 balls to make two runs, and the innings reminded everyone of the ABD’s innings against India scoring 43 (293).
The morning of Day-4 started with a mighty blow on Ben Stokes’ helmet when Hazlewood bowled a sharp bouncer and Stokes completely missed to pull it. A warm welcome for Stokes for the day.
When Nathan Lyon came in, a tossed up ball from the off-spinner urged Stokes to step down and flick it to the mid-wicket for four. How many times would you see a left-handed batsman flicking an off-spinner? It’s sporadic. And that’s why Ben Stokes is exceptional.
Ben Stokes went on to smash the Cummins’ short ball with a punch, the ball went over gully fielder and reached the fence. Top edged but it was the first sign of aggression from Ben Stokes in that innings.
Pat Cummins from over the wicket tried a bouncer which became a juicy ball for Ben Stokes’ pull, and it sailed over the square-leg rope.
Wickets started falling off on the other end. Especially the loss of Bairstow added more pressure on Ben Stokes. The keeper-batsman was playing exceptionally well on that day. In addition to that Ben Stokes’ wrong call victimised Jos Buttler with a runout.
Stokes was left with the bowlers to bat on. The Durham all-rounder, like always, decided to continue his fight till the end. Chris Woakes went back with getting caught at catching covers. Jofra Archer got dismissed when he tried to sweep over the deep square leg. Stuart Broad lost his wicket for a toe crusher from James Pattinson.
Stokes was left with 72 runs to complete it for his side, and the batsman on the other end was Jack Leach, the last wicket of England.
The real tension started then. Ben Stokes decided to give it a try and took the lead against Nathan Lyon.
- The off-spinners’ tossed up fuller length delivery let Ben Stokes hit it downtown. The long off fielder wasn’t able to have his hand on the ball.
- Another looped up delivery was put straight to the side screen.
- Lyon decided to bowl on the offside, Stokes surprised everyone with his switch hit that sends the ball over the sweeper cover. It was all entertainment at Leeds.
The English fans started to feel the vibe from the way Ben Stokes was batting. Stokesy continued his aggressive technique. A scoop took the good length ball from Cummins over the fine-leg region. This innings was turning out to be the most significant knock that test cricket has ever seen.
