Stokes' 5-Wicket Heroics Lead England 2-1 India Series Lead

England captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes delivered a remarkable performance against India in the third Test at Lord’s, bowling 44 overs and taking five wickets to secure a narrow 22-run victory that gave England a 2-1 lead in the series. Despite concerns from teammates and coaching staff about fatigue due to his recent hamstring surgeries, Stokes pushed himself to the brink physically and mentally, describing how the urgency of the match kept him going. He also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 44 and 33 runs in the innings and effecting a crucial run-out, underscoring his value as an all-rounder. England’s captain Joe Root praised Stokes’ determination and trust in his body after injury, highlighting his relentless desire to make an impact. The win came at a cost, as England were fined for a slow over rate, but Stokes’ heroic effort was widely hailed as pivotal to the victory. Looking ahead, England will rely on Stokes’ revitalized form as they prepare for the fourth Test at Old Trafford.