England all-rounder and captain Ben Stokes’ extensive bowling performance in the third Test against India at Lord’s demonstrates his complete confidence in his body following recent injury layoffs, according to batter Joe Root.
Stokes, 34, delivered an extraordinary 44 overs – the highest by any bowler in the match – and claimed five crucial wickets, spearheading England to a dramatic 22-run victory. This win secured a 2-1 lead for the hosts in the five-match series. Stokes also contributed valuable scores of 44 and 33 runs, earning him the well-deserved “Player of the Match” award.
The all-rounder underwent a successful operation for a torn hamstring in December of the previous year (2024), followed by an intensive physical fitness program during which he remarkably shed 10 kg.
“He’s just desperate to be the man and make things happen,” former skipper Root told BBC Sport. “Incredible effort to be able to do that. I was just panicking that he wasn’t going to make it through the game after a couple of bad injuries but he clearly trusts his body now. It’s a great sign for us moving forward. I mean it really is, isn’t it, because that’s back to his best.”
The fourth Test of the series is scheduled to commence on July 23 at Old Trafford.
