Credit: England Cricket
Joe Root has made no effort to hide his concern about his captain and fellow England teammate Ben Stokes given the all rounder's fitness as seen at the recently-completed third Test against India at Lord's in London. Speaking to prominent media platforms a day after the completion of the engrossing Test that resulted in a win for the hosts, the legendary batter highlighted the fact that he was most concerned about Stokes' fitness given he was bowling those marathon spells during the fourth innings.
The tall Yorkshireman highlighted his concern about Stokes, who's had a history of injuries in the past, by stating, as per BBC Sport, "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."
Ben Stokes bowled 24 overs in two marathon spells for England while defending 192-run total in Lord's Test
Ben Stokes was largely responsible for England's fantastic win on the fifth and final day of the Test match wherein not only did he play crucial knocks from the middle order, but ended up bowling the most number of overs by any England cricketer in the fourth innings.
Bowling no fewer than 24 overs in two decisive spells that ultimately starred in England's win, Stokes, who had battled a groin injury concern in the midst of the contest, emerged with 3 for 48 in the end. Taking the big key wicket of KL Rahul, who had seemed well set to take India home early on on the final day at Lord's, Stokes would also remove Akash Deep and later on, Bumrah, who seemed well set in the middle (when partenering Jadeja).
Root, a veteran of the game, understood the need of the captain to lead by an example and though appreciative of his good friend's efforts, also highlighted that he was worried for Ben Stokes.
The right hander remarked, "He (Stokes) knows what he's doing and he's got a good handle on where he's at physically. It was an incredible effort." The series sees England 2-1 up against India where it stands at present with two more Tests to come.
