England Test captain Ben Stokes became the first captain in Test cricket history to win a Test without batting, bowling or keeping wickets. In a Test that ended within three days with England winning by 10 wickets, Stokes may have not bowled as Ireland did not pose a tough challenge and he did not want to take a risk ahead of his first Ashes series as captain.
In the first innings, it was Stuart Broad who took a fifer whereas Matthew Potts and Jack Leach took two and three wickets respectively. When England came out to bat, opener Ben Duckett's 182 and Ollie Pope's 205 helped England post 524/4. With enough first innings lead, Stokes decided to declare the innings.
In Ireland's second innings, Ireland showed some fightback but debutant Josh Tongue picked up a fifer. Despite the 163-run partnership for the seventh wicket, Ireland could post 362. While Stokes could have bowled himself, he gave former captain and off-spinner Joe Root a chance to role his arm. Root delivered with the wicket of Curtis Campher as well.
Will Stokes bowl in Ashes?
Earlier, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Stokes spent several matches in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 on the sidelines after picking up an injury. After regaining fitness, he did not fit in CSK’s team combination. He left the CSK camp before IPL 2023 playoffs.
In the post-match presentation, Stokes made it clear that his knee is fine as he said, “No, didn't pick it up, my weight went on the inside of my knee like it hyperextended. But I bowled this morning, so nothing to worry about. [Ashes] Not much more we can do. The new way is you get as ready as you can, get in the right frame of mind.”
Stokes lauds Ireland's fightback
England lauded Ireland batters for the fightback that did not let the hosts win the encounter at Lord’s by an innings.
"Thought Ireland came out and showed grit and determination. Gives us a little insight into what we might have to do against Australia. It got flatter as it went on. Trying to take the game on in our own way allowed us to potentially bowl them out without batting again. Ireland had to get a really good score to put us under pressure. Good test and credit to Ireland today,” Stokes said.
Stokes happy with Tongue, Bairstow
The 31-year-old lauded Jonny Bairstow on his comeback to the side as their wicketkeeper-batter. He was also left impressed by Tongue who has been selected for the Ashes 2023 as well.
“Jonny came back in and did a tidy job behind the stumps. Good to get back out into the arena. Tongue came in and performed really well, he'd performed that third seamer role and showed how versatile he can be. Something we're looking for in a seam bowler. Keep it simple for everyone. Explain the role [to new guys], do what you do and don't worry about the rest of the stuff. Pretty special getting a five-for for England at Lord's,” the southpaw said.
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