IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Is Ben Stokes caught in a second-innings loop? Another uncanny repeat at Lord's
Ben Stokes
has always had a knack for dramatic moments, but this time it is the numbers that are doing the talking. In a strange and fascinating statistical twist, Stokes has now scored exactly 33 runs in the second innings of all three Tests in the ongoing series against India.
Headingley, Edgbaston, and now Lord's — same number, same outcome.
While such repetition might seem like a mere quirk, it also reflects a deeper pattern in Stokes' batting form this summer. Across six innings, the England skipper has managed 163 runs at an average of 27.17.
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These are decent numbers for a lower-order contributor, but for someone of Stokes' calibre and influence, they feel underwhelming. In key moments, he has looked set at the crease, only to throw his wicket away before turning a start into something more meaningful.
04:14
Rishabh Pant is India's TRUMP CARD in tense chase vs England at Lord's
That said, Stokes is not just in the team for his batting. As the fourth seamer, he has quietly played his part with the ball, picking up 9 wickets so far in the series. On a challenging Lord's surface on Day 4, it was his sharp delivery that knocked over nightwatchman Akash Deep and closed out the day on a high for England.
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With the match finely balanced heading into the final day, England will be hoping that their captain can break the 33-run streak and deliver something bigger with the bat if needed. A game of small margins could still use a big moment from Ben Stokes.
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