‘2-2 at Home: Australia Legend Delivers Brutal Reality Check to Ben Stokes as Captain’
Ben Stokes came under pressure as India were praised for “overachieving” in challenging English conditions after the 2-2 series draw. Ben Stokes: India’s Resilient Fightback Secures Thrilling Series Draw at The Oval Ben Stokes: Team India delivered an emphatic performance in the fifth and final Test at The Oval to draw the series 2-2 against England. Despite being under pressure for much of England’s 374-run chase, the Indian bowling attack—led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna—mounted a solid comeback, clinching a narrow six-run victory and helping India avoid a series defeat. The series was a gripping contest from start to finish, with both teams showcasing high-quality cricket. India frequently found themselves in commanding positions across all five matches, despite the narrative heavily favoring England before the series began. The recent retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma just weeks before the tour were widely seen as a major setback, and few expected a Shubman Gill-led side to challenge England so effectively on their home turf. Yet the young Indian squad defied expectations, often outplaying England in crucial moments. Though the series ended in a draw, India’s batting dominated, spearheaded by captain Gill, who amassed 754 runs in 10 innings, setting a strong tone for the team. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke expressed admiration for India’s performance and said he would have been “disappointed” if he were in Ben Stokes’ position. “This England team… I think, a 2-2 draw in your own backyard, if I’m captain of that team, I’m disappointed with that result. I want to win, especially in my own conditions. I think they would’ve come into the series expecting to win,” Clarke remarked. India “overachieved” The prolific former Australian batter Michael Clarke further stated that India should view the drawn series as a “win,” emphasizing that Shubman Gill’s side has genuinely “overachieved” in challenging English conditions. “I’m not taking India lightly, but I think they’ve overachieved, particularly considering the lead-up to the series. If India had lost, people would’ve respected and understood that—new captain, two of their most senior players missing from Test cricket, and their best bowler playing only three of the five matches. England would’ve gone into the series expecting to win. India have overperformed. To level the series 2-2, that’s definitely a win for India in my opinion,” Clarke said. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Ben Stokes Loses Composure, Controversially Blocks Jadeja and Sundar’s Test Centuries
Ben Stokes lashed out after Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined his handshake offer, opting instead to chase Test centuries and rescue India from a likely defeat. Ben Stokes: England’s Driving Force and His Frustration at Manchester Ben Stokes has undeniably been the key difference between England and India in the first four Tests. The England captain, known for enduring marathon spells despite severe physical pain, leads the series with 18 wickets. He ended a two-year century drought with a brilliant 141 at Old Trafford in the fourth Test—an innings interrupted by leg cramps that forced him to retire hurt at 66. With back-to-back Player-of-the-Match awards, Stokes is the main reason England leads 2-1 with one Test remaining. There’s much to admire about Ben Stokes: a tireless right-arm bowler who constantly makes an impact, and an inventive left-handed batsman whose slow starts often build into massive scores. However, the same Ben Stokes showed a different side on the final day in Manchester. Frustrated by the resilient partnership between Washington Sundar, batting impressively at No. 5 in Rishabh Pant’s absence, and Ravindra Jadeja, Ben Stokes allowed his temper to get the better of him after a challenging, disappointing day for England. Jadeja, Sundar dig in as England’s frustration turns into bitterness Four minutes before lunch, with India at 222 for four and needing 89 runs to avoid an innings defeat, the two left-handers—Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar—joined forces. England believed they were one wicket away from breaking India’s resistance, but after Joe Root dropped Jadeja off his very first ball, the pair dug in deep. England’s confident attacks gradually gave way to growing frustration, hope, and eventually desperation as India overturned a massive 311-run first-innings deficit to take a 75-run lead by the final hour. At the 15-over mark, when a draw could have been mutually agreed upon, Ben Stokes approached Jadeja to offer the handshake signaling the end of the match. Jadeja, nearing a century on 89, politely declined. His partner Sundar was also closing in on his maiden hundred with 80 runs. Test centuries are rare and precious, especially when they help secure the team’s safety. Jadeja’s last hundred had come against England just the previous year, and Sundar’s highest score was 96 not out, also against England. The logical move was to bat on, reach the milestone, and then agree to the draw. But England’s perspective was different. They seemed to believe they held exclusive authority over the “spirit of the game” and took offense when accused of poor sportsmanship, yet claimed moral high ground whenever convenient. Stokes appeared to expect unilateral control over when the match could end, disregarding the idea of mutual consent. Moreover, the fact that India’s Nos. 4, 5, and 6 were all poised to score centuries for the first time in history likely stung. Stokes’s frustration surfaced in sharp words to Jadeja: “If you wanted to get a century, you should have batted like it earlier.” And then mockingly: “Jaddu, you want to get a Test hundred against Harry Brook?” Of course, Stokes had the choice to bowl his frontline bowlers but deliberately refrained from risking them, a privilege seemingly reserved only for England. When questioned at the post-match press conference if he would have ended the game if an English young batter was on the verge of a maiden century, Stokes evaded a direct answer. He praised the satisfaction of saving a match and downplayed the importance of personal milestones. Was it grandstanding? Posturing? Or just the weariness of a captain physically and mentally drained? While Stokes the cricketer commands admiration, his sour and mean-spirited conduct in those closing moments of the Manchester Test was a disappointing contrast—not the kind of leadership moment fans had hoped for. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Explained: The Meaning Behind Ben Stokes’ “Folded Finger” Celebration After His Century in the Manchester Test vs India
Ben Stokes shined with a brilliant 141 runs in the first innings of the Manchester Test. England has taken a strong lead over India in the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. Following Joe Root’s impressive century, England captain Ben Stokes also delivered a commanding hundred in the first innings, putting the Indian team under significant pressure. This marked Ben Stokes’ 14th Test century, adding to his exceptional performance in the match. Remarkably, he also claimed a five-wicket haul in the same innings, becoming only the fourth England player—alongside Tony Greig, Sir Ian Botham, and Gus Atkinson—to achieve the rare feat of scoring a century and taking five wickets in a single Test. After reaching his century, Ben Stokes celebrated with his signature “folded finger” gesture, removing his gloves and folding the middle finger on his left hand in a distinctive salute. Is there anything he can't do? 🤩 🤝 @IGCom pic.twitter.com/fHhJdpmllF — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2025 Ben Stokes’ “folded finger” celebration honors his late father Ben Stokes’ iconic “folded finger” gesture is a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Ged Stokes. Ged, a former New Zealand rugby player, struggled with repeated injuries and dislocations to his middle finger throughout his career. Despite medical advice to have surgery and quit playing, Ged chose to have his finger amputated so he could continue on the field. He passed away in December 2020. England posted a colossal first-innings total of 669 all out, powered by centuries from Ben Stokes and Joe Root, securing a commanding lead of 311 runs. Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope also contributed with impressive half-centuries. Earlier, England had dismissed India for 358 in their first innings, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Rishabh Pant scoring fifties. England won the toss and chose to bowl first in the Manchester Test. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Shubman Gill’s Aggression Under Scrutiny After Lord’s Loss; Ben Stokes Cited as Model of Composure
Michael Vaughan criticized Shubman Gill’s attitude following the Lord’s defeat, saying the Indian captain showed a lack of calm and composure in the second innings. Michael Vaughan Questions Shubman Gill’s Attitude After Lord’s Defeat Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed doubts about India skipper Shubman Gill’s mindset following India’s 22-run loss at Lord’s, which left them trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series. Despite Gill’s exceptional form in the series, including a record 430 at Edgbaston, Vaughan noted that the 25-year-old appeared less “technically tight” and lacked his usual calm during his second innings at Lord’s, where he scored just 16 and 6. Vaughan pointed out that while the heated on-field exchanges had energized England, Shubman Gill seemed nervous batting on the fourth evening, a day after his confrontations with Zak Crawley. “When things got spicy on the third evening, I felt that brought the best out of England for the remainder of the game. Shubman Gill did not look as technically tight or calm as usual when he came out to bat on the fourth evening, but his team fought so hard on Monday in a fabulous Test,” Vaughan wrote in his Telegraph column. He also praised England captain Ben Stokes, highlighting his relentless attitude as a key factor in England’s victory despite India’s dominance. “England have never had a captain quite like Ben Stokes. One who just does not accept when he is beaten, one who does not accept his team are having a bad week, and can drag a game back his way through sheer skill and force of will,” Vaughan added. Ben Stokes Shines as Game-Changer in Crucial Test Ben Stokes played a pivotal role in the match, taking five wickets and scoring 77 runs across both innings. His standout moment was orchestrating the run-out of Rishabh Pant in the first innings, which proved to be the turning point of the Test. “It was Stokes who stuck with Joe Root on the first evening to help grind out a score. He executed that brilliant run-out before lunch on day three, just as India seemed to be gaining control,” said Michael Vaughan. “Stokes took crucial wickets in both innings, delivered a fiery spell early on the final day, and finally broke Jasprit Bumrah’s resistance. He knows how to win the biggest moments in Test cricket,” Vaughan added. The series now heads to Manchester for the fourth Test, where India will fight for survival, while England aims to seal the series. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Ben Stokes: The Greatest Clutch Player Of His Generation 2025?
Ben Stokes has redefined what it means to be a clutch player in modern cricket. Known for his extraordinary performances under pressure, he has delivered some of the most iconic moments in cricketing history. This article evaluates whether Ben Stokes deserves the title of the greatest clutch player of his generation, analyzing his performances, mental resilience, and statistical contributions in high-pressure situations. Defining A Clutch Player Ben Stokes: In sports, a “clutch player” is someone who consistently delivers exceptional performances when it matters the most—during high-stakes moments, under intense pressure. These players often thrive when their team is in dire need of a match-winning contribution. Key attributes of a clutch player include: Mental Resilience: Staying calm under pressure. Versatility: Excelling in multiple roles as per the team’s needs. Consistency: Delivering high-impact performances regularly. Decisive Actions: Turning games around in crunch moments. Ben Stokes’ Iconic Performances Ben Stokes: Ben Stokes’ career is filled with standout performances that exemplify his ability to deliver when the stakes are highest. Below, we highlight a few of his most remarkable moments: Match Format Performance Impact 2019 World Cup Final (vs. New Zealand) ODI 84* (98) and 8 runs in Super Over Guided England to their first-ever World Cup win in an intense final. 2019 Headingley Test (vs. Australia) Test 135* (219) One of the greatest Test innings; saved England from near defeat. 2022 T20 World Cup Final (vs. Pakistan) T20I 52* (49) Anchored the chase to secure England’s second T20 World Cup. 2016 T20 World Cup (vs. West Indies) T20I 4 consecutive sixes conceded in the final over A learning moment that fueled his rise as a clutch player later on. Statistical Analysis: Performance Under Pressure Ben Stokes: While cricket is as much about moments as it is about numbers, Stokes’ statistics in pressure situations further reinforce his reputation as a clutch player. Test Cricket In Tests, Stokes has often turned the tide in England’s favor with both bat and ball. Below is a table showcasing his performance in successful fourth-innings chases: Match Runs Scored Balls Faced Result Opposition Headingley, 2019 135* 219 England won by 1 wicket Australia Cape Town, 2020 72 47 England won by 189 runs South Africa Colombo, 2018 62 99 England won by 57 runs Sri Lanka ODI Cricket Ben Stokes: Stokes has been pivotal in England’s rise in ODI cricket, particularly during the 2019 World Cup. His performances in high-pressure matches are reflected in his stats: Match Context Innings Runs Strike Rate Result 2019 WC Final vs. NZ 84* 85.71 England won (Super Over) 2019 WC Semi-final vs. Aus 57 109.43 England won by 8 wickets 2021 vs. India (Chennai) 99 127.27 England lost narrowly T20 Cricket Ben Stokes: Despite being remembered for conceding four consecutive sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup final, Stokes has shown resilience and a marked improvement in high-pressure T20 matches: Tournament Runs Scored Wickets Taken Impact 2022 T20 WC Final 52* – Match-winning knock in the final 2020 IPL (vs. MI) 107* – Guided Rajasthan Royals to a critical win 2022 T20 WC Semi-Final 38* 1 wicket Steady chase in a tricky situation Mental Resilience: Learning From Setbacks Ben Stokes: Stokes’ career is as much about his triumphs as it is about his ability to recover from setbacks. His low point came in the 2016 T20 World Cup final when Carlos Brathwaite hit him for four consecutive sixes in the last over, snatching the trophy away from England. For many players, such a moment could be career-defining in a negative sense. However, for Stokes, it became a turning point. Following this, he worked on his skills, improved his death bowling, and refined his approach under pressure. The mental fortitude displayed by Stokes after the 2016 incident demonstrates why he is regarded as one of the toughest players mentally. Leadership In Pressure Situations Stokes’ impact extends beyond his personal performances; his leadership qualities under pressure have been equally noteworthy. As England’s Test captain, Stokes has revitalized the team with a bold and aggressive approach, particularly during the “Bazball” era alongside coach Brendon McCullum. Some key examples of his captaincy under pressure include: 2022 England vs. New Zealand Test Series: Stokes’ proactive declarations and attacking field placements led to a series win. Ashes 2023: Despite losing the series, Stokes’ tactical brilliance and inspiring performances, including his 155 in the second Test at Lord’s, showcased his ability to lead by example. Comparing Stokes With Other Clutch Players To evaluate whether Stokes is the greatest clutch player of his generation, it’s essential to compare him with other modern greats: Player Format Notable Clutch Performance Comparison with Stokes Virat Kohli ODI/T20I 82* vs. Pakistan, T20 WC 2022 Kohli excels in chases but lacks Stokes’ all-round impact. MS Dhoni ODI/T20I 91* in 2011 WC Final Dhoni’s calmness rivals Stokes’ aggression. Steve Smith Test/ODI Ashes 2019 (774 runs in 4 Tests) Smith dominates Tests but doesn’t match Stokes’ versatility. Shakib Al Hasan All Consistent all-round performances in ICC events Shakib is consistent but hasn’t delivered iconic moments like Stokes. Is Stokes The Greatest Clutch Player? Ben Stokes has carved out a unique niche in cricket history. His ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, both as a batter and bowler, combined with his mental toughness and leadership, sets him apart. While comparisons with contemporaries like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are inevitable, Stokes’ versatility as an all-rounder gives him an edge. Whether it’s smashing sixes at Headingley, guiding England to a World Cup win, or anchoring a tricky chase, Stokes has consistently proven himself as a player who thrives under pressure. His journey from heartbreak in the 2016 T20 World Cup to redemption in subsequent years makes him not just a great clutch player but arguably the greatest of his generation. E2BET: Welcome! Discover Endless Betting Possibilities!