Lords – Ben Stokes scored 115no creating an opportunity for an England victory on the final day of the second Ashes Test. In reality, a win was a tall order. Yet, with Australia on 154-6 and the test drawn, maybe the series has swung towards England?
On the fourth day England began their second innings 8 runs ahead, after Australia were all out for 250. Jofra Archer taking all the plaudits after a fearsome spell of bowling.
England were 64-3 within 18 overs in their second innings. The game was slipping away.
Enter Ben. Playing with care and caution, Ben, together with Jos Butter, steered England to 94-4 at the close.
If Ben’s batting was cautious the previous evening, it moved through the gears into full on attack during the final day.
Ben and Jos (31) put on 90 for the 5th wicket. Then with Jonny Bairstow (31no), Ben took England to 258-5 dec. Setting up a possible test victory.
Ben’s 100 came in 160 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes). It was his seventh test match century. Yet again, Ben adapting his batting to the conditions and the situation of the game. Joe Root’s declaration left Ben on 115no (11 fours, 3 sixes).
During England’s first innings Ben passed 7000 first-class runs.
The action now moves to Headlingley where the third test starts on Thursday 22 August.
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)