Ben Stokes has often been England’s hero when needed most. In 2019, he top-scored with 84 runs and won the man of the match in the ODI Cricket World Cup Final victory against New Zealand. Just weeks later, he bludgeoned his way to 135 not out in a famous Ashes-saving innings at Headingley.
In this summer’s series against India, he took his first five-wicket haul since 2019. After injuries had regularly restricted him to being a specialist batsman, Stokes, the all-rounder, was back.
But even he can’t save England now.
This Ashes series had begun with so much hope. Australia supposedly had their weakest team for 15 years (according to Stuart Broad). England’s new fast-bowling unit was set to be unleashed for the first time. Atkinson, Archer, Carse, Wood and Stokes.
And Stokes took five wickets in the Aussies’ opening innings in the first test.
Yet England were embarrassed, losing inside two days in the shortest Ashes match since 1921. Travis Head blew them away.
Now the second test is all but over after day three.
The second test so far
Again, England chose to bat first. Joe Root’s first century down under masked four ducks. Only he, struggling Zak Crawley, and number 11 Jofra Archer offered any real resistance.
The 61-run 10th wicket partnership between Root and Archer made their score of 334 all out appear to be respectable. It was the highest ever 10th wicket stand in a day-night test match.
Australia then surpassed the visitors’ total so easily that it now looks weak. They became the first side in Ashes history to have all 11 batters reach double figures. All the more humbling was the fact that Mitchell Starc, Australia’s number nine, top-scored with 77.
Starc is no slouch with the bat, but this was his highest test score for nine years. He also took a 10-wicket haul in the first test and five more in England’s first innings in Brisbane.
Starc is fast-becoming England’s nemesis. His impact on this series is, so far, on track to rival that of Mitchell Johnson’s in 2013/14.
England eventually bowled their opponents out for 511. They were 177 runs behind, having lost the first test in Perth after a first-innings lead.
Any hope of a comeback was quashed in a humiliating final session on day three. After a promising start, they lost five wickets for just 38 runs. At 134-6, they are still 43 behind and losing by an innings isn’t out of the question.
England and Stokes must offer some resistance
With two days of the test remaining, a draw is impossible barring an almighty rainstorm. Stokes is at the crease on four runs.
It is more than likely that he will run out of partners before he can inflict any real damage on Australia. The last recognised batsman left after Stokes is Will Jacks. He is also on four.
Jacks has a first-class average of 34.54, but this is just his third test. His highest test score is 31. Behind him, Atkinson and Carse can also bat, but scored a combined four runs in the first innings. Archer’s 38 was his best.
Day four resumes at 4:00 am UK time. Avoiding another total embarrassment is all England can hope for. This series is fast-spinning out of control. The visitors still haven’t won a single test match in Australia since 2010/11.
The loyal Barmy Army at least want to see their team put up a fight. Stokes was and still is their best chance of making that happen.
