Ben Stokes Doesn't Surprise Me, Says Joe Root After Allrounder Powers England To Series-levelling Win

Ben Stokes starred with both bat and ball as England bounced back from their defeat in the first Test to beat West Indies by 113 runs in the second and draw level in the three-match series. Bolstered by the return of their regular captain Joe Root, the hosts remained on top throughout the match in Manchester.

In fact, England were so dominating in the game that even a completely washed-out day three could not save West Indies. Before that, England had declared their innings after scoring 469 runs with Dominic Sibley and Ben Stokes scoring centuries. In reply, West Indies started well and were 242 for 4 at one stage.

However, an inexplicable collapse saw them losing their last six wickets for just 45 runs as they were all out for 287. Stokes then scored an unbeaten 78 off 57 deliveries as England declared their second innings having managed 129 for 3 in only 19 overs, with 92 of those runs coming in 11 overs they faced in the morning session on the final day.

Chasing an improbable 312 on the final day, West Indies had a disastrous start as they lost four wickets for just 23 runs. Half-centuries from Jermaine Blackwood and Shamarh Brooks led West Indies’ fightback but a wicket at the stroke of Tea turned the game in the hosts’ favour. Just before tea, Stokes sent back Blackwood with a short delivery and West Indies just could not survive the final session. The tourists kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were all out for 198.

Joe Root on the win:

Speaking at the end of the match, Joe Root, who missed the first Test to attend the birth of his second child, praised his team for the effort. He was quick to point out the team’s consistency in scoring big in recent times. The captain also threw his support behind Dominic Sibley who is facing criticism from several quarters for his strike-rate despite scoring a century. The captain then lavished praise on his deputy Ben Stokes.

“It was a brilliant week’s cricket from the outset, making a 400+ score for the third time in four games. We’ve starting to do that more consistently which is really pleasing. That’s what we want from [Sibley], set that platform,” said Joe Root.

He seems to get better and better the more he’s playing, then when you’ve got guys like Ben who can go through a range of gears, it shows how valuable he is. He doesn’t surprise me – you watch how he goes about his business, he leads the way in many respects,” he added.

Joe Root concluded by praising Stuart Broad who made a big impression with the ball after being dropped for the series-opener. Broad had expressed his disappointment over the axing before being recalled into the playing eleven. The veteran pacer responded by picking up six wickets in the game.

[On Broad’s comment after being dropped] You always expect that from Stuart, when he says something he tries to back it up. He’s led the attack brilliantly this week, and we feel like he’s got a lot of cricket ahead of him,” said the England captain.

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