“Pain is just an emotion”: Ben Stokes confirms his availability for the fifth Test against India
Overview:
After fitness concerns ruled him out of bowling on Day 4 following his innings of 141, England’s captain was back with the ball and quickly claimed his 17th wicket of the series by trapping Rahul lbw.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — With India resuming the day on 174-2 and trailing by 137, England needed something special from Ben Stokes. He didn’t take long to deliver, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
After fitness concerns ruled him out of bowling on Day 4 following his innings of 141, England’s captain was back with the ball and quickly claimed his 17th wicket of the series by trapping KL Rahul lbw.
It was a reminder of just how badly he was missed from England’s attack as Shubman Gill and Rahul batted so defiantly.
It was hardly surprising his absence was felt, given the 34-year-old Stokes is the lead wicket-taker in the series and took five in India’s first innings. His brilliant performance came after he underwent surgery in January following a second hamstring injury in five months and dubbed himself the bionic man.
“I’ve said it a few times to the guys out there, pain is just an emotion,” Stokes explained of his comeback.
The result might have been different if he had been fit for full involvement in India’s second innings, but, frequently holding the back of his leg after each ball on Sunday, his effectiveness was limited.
The fourth Test ended in a draw after Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar scored unbeaten hundreds. The visitors posted 358 & 425/4 while the hosts managed 669.
He expects to be in the thick of the action again in the final test.
“I don’t want to eat my words, but the likelihood that I won’t play is very unlikely,” he said.
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