Ashes 2023: Australia won the second Ashes test by 43 runs at Lord’s on Sunday, despite a stunning century from England captain Ben Stokes.
Ben Stokes scored 155 runs from 211 balls in the third Test against West Indies in 2020. It was a crucial innings for England, who were chasing a target of 349. Stokes came to the crease with England in trouble at 103-4, but he put on a partnership of 169 with Jos Buttler to get the team back on track. Stokes scored his runs at a strike rate of 73.13, hitting 15 fours and two sixes. He was eventually dismissed by Kemar Roach, but his innings had helped England to a comfortable victory.
Stokes’ innings was particularly impressive given the conditions. The pitch was slow and the ball was turning, making it difficult for batsmen to score runs. However, Stokes showed great patience and skill in crafting his innings. He was able to find the gaps in the field and hit the bad balls for runs. He also showed great composure under pressure, never panicking even when he was given a life on 21.
Stokes’ innings was one of the defining moments of the Test series. It helped England to win the match and level the series at 1-1. It also showed that Stokes is one of the world’s best all-rounders and that he can be a match-winner on his day.
Here are some of the key moments from Stokes’ innings:
- He survived a close call on 21 when he was given a life by Shai Hope at gully.
- He put on a partnership of 169 with Jos Buttler to help England recover from a slow start.
- He scored 15 fours and two sixes in his innings.
- He was eventually dismissed by Kemar Roach for 155.
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The tourists set England a target of 371 to win, and the home side were in trouble at 253-7 when Stokes came to the crease. He combined with Jonny Bairstow (38) for a 65-run partnership, and then took the attack to the Australian bowlers with some aggressive batting.
England’s tailenders fought hard, but they were eventually dismissed for 327, giving Australia the win.
The third Ashes test will be played at Headingley from July 5-9.
Here are some of the key moments from the match:
- Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. They made 416 in their first innings, with Marnus Labuschagne top-scoring with 103.
- England responded with 325 in their first innings, with Stokes scoring 84.
- Australia then made 279 in their second innings, with Steve Smith scoring 94.
- England were set a target of 371 to win and were 327-8 at the end of day four.
- Stokes scored 155 in the fourth innings but his side were eventually bowled out for 327.
The match was marred by controversy on day four when Jonny Bairstow was given out lbw to Scott Boland. Bairstow and England captain Ben Stokes were both furious with the decision and Stokes was seen remonstrating with the umpires.
Despite the controversy, Australia held their nerve on day five to secure a memorable victory. The win is a major boost for Australia, who are looking to regain the Ashes after losing the series in 2019.
They will be confident of taking a 3-0 lead in the series when they travel to Headingley for the third test.