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The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Stokes — raw, real and relentless
The universe sometimes conspires — almost magically — to bless a few individuals with the power not only to write their scripts, but to live them out on the grandest stages of life. Act I: T20 World Cup final, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, 2016 The tension was palpable. West Indies needed 19 runs off the final over. It was advantage England, as things stood. Marlon Samuels — calm, ice-cool and unbeaten on 85 — was stranded at the non-striker's end. The moment was ripe — not for Samuels, not for West Indies — but for a young 24-year-old Englishman full of fire and fight. Ben Stokes had the ball. History was in the making. But in his, and England's, way stood a player and a performance immortalised by Ian Bishop's iconic scream: 'Carrrrrlos Brathwaite! Carrrrrlos Brathwaite — remember the name!' Four sixes on the trot, each sailing into the night sky and then swallowed by the crowd, stunned Stokes and his teammates into shock. Brathwaite had pulled off the unthinkable and handed the Windies a cherished world title. Stokes crumbled; his face sank into the palm of his hands. He dropped to the floor, hollowed out by heartbreak. As one name and performance entered the annals of history, another – Stokes – was buried under the weight of an opportunity gone tragically wrong. A man, who could have been a national hero, was made the villain. 'I said to myself, 'I've lost the World Cup.' I couldn't believe it. I didn't know what to do. It took me so long to get back on my feet. I didn't want to get back up. It was like the whole world had come down on me,' Stokes, always one to candidly dissect emotions, would later admit. 'There weren't any good things going through my mind. It was just complete devastation. After the first six, I thought, 'Oh God,' but I was backing myself. I had been in that type of situation for four weeks in all my training, so it was not a case of holding anything back and thinking, 'I hope I get this one in' because I knew I could do it.' But destiny is often cruel. 'I haven't watched it back yet because I don't want to bring myself to do that at this stage,' he said later. 'I don't know how much I missed it, but as a bowler, you have a feeling as soon as you let go whether or not you've got the yorker right — and it felt like I had. 'Some days they go well. Some days they don't. That was a horrible day, but I won't be shying away from it. You almost want it to happen… because if you nail it, everyone forgets the final.' But no one forgot. Not then. Not even now. After the gutting group-stage exit in the 2015 ODI World Cup, the T20 final loss was akin to rubbing salt on one's raw wounds. It was rock bottom, sure, but as it turns out, it was not the end. Act II: Rock Bottom to Rock Star 'You've got to lose to know how to win…' — Aerosmith famously crooned in their 1973 classic 'Dream On'. Stokes held that loss at the Eden close to his heart. The itch of that adamant scar dragged him back to the drawing board. Only this time, it wasn't just blind hard work; he trained smarter. It dawned on him that technique wasn't the only area of work: far more important were temperament and mindset. Stokes needed to find a way to give direction to the fire that burned within. He needed to find purpose. And where better to find that than at home! His father, Gerard, was a tough, no-nonsense rugby player-turned-coach. His mother, Deborah, who introduced him to cricket as a young boy, worked as a counsellor for victims of violent crime. Growing up, young Benjamin excelled at both sports. 'In a room full of people, you'd spot a Stokes straight away,' the all-rounder once said. 'The sense of humour is the same. We take the mickey out of each other constantly. My brother's a grouch around people — he just grunts. That competitiveness, the frustration, the inside build-up of anger — that's from my old man. I've definitely got that in me,' the Christchurch-born English all-rounder said. Gerard wasn't one for excuses. For years, he told his son he'd lost a finger to a crocodile. The truth, when it came out, was equally striking: 'He kept dislocating the same finger,' Stokes recalled. 'The doctor said he needed surgery. But Dad couldn't afford to miss games — he had bills to pay. So he just got it cut off.' That missing finger would eventually be his son's iconic celebration. But it was in that kind of environment — relentless, raw, real — that Ben Stokes was shaped. 'If I didn't do well, I'd beat myself up,' he remembered. 'Especially when I was younger. I'd just get angry. I'm not someone who hates people for beating me. But I. Just. Don't. Like. Losing'. But somewhere along the way, something shifted. From pain came a hard-earned truth: stop chasing moments…become them. While others shrank in the wake of chaos, Stokes always found himself drawn to it. Take the 2019 ODI World Cup, for example. Once again, a final – this time at Lord's – and a final over, except this time he was the one batting. Fifteen runs were needed for a famous win against New Zealand. History stared him down once more, but this time, Stokes didn't blink. Stokes would drop to his knees once more, but this time after willing his team across the finish line, in a Super Over no less. He took the weight of a nation and turned it into poetry. Act III: Immortality in Leeds If Lord's was redemption, Headingley was a step above. With the Ashes slipping away, England — chasing 359 — collapsed to 286 for nine. With 73 runs still needed and just one wicket in hand against an Australian attack baying for blood, it seemed foolish to hope. Alone but determined, Stokes motored on. He reverse-swept Nathan Lyon into the stands and switch-hit Pat Cummins for maximums. He smashed boundaries, all with tailender Jack Leach as his shadow. For all his heroics, Stokes was but human. When he trudged unwillingly to the non-striker's end, he was rendered unable to watch Leach's desperate attempts to survive. The pair kept the game alive. Stokes was handed the relief of a missed run out and an erroneous not out decision on an LBW appeal (Australia couldn't turn to DRS, having exhausted its reviews). Two runs were needed for a largely unlikely English win when Cummins resumed with the ball. Leach blocked before running a single and bringing Stokes back on strike. He wasted no time, creaming a length delivery through covers to seal a miraculous win. Arms spread wide, Stokes – who finished with an unbeaten 135 – roared. Headingley erupted in unison. The famous Western Terrace stands went into a frenzy. 'It was beyond greatness,' said former England captain Nasser Hussain. 'It was something else. Something beyond cricket.' 359 was chased, the Ashes remained alive, and the game got a masterclass on the power of belief. Final act: Leading from the front In 2022, when Stokes was handed the reins of the England Test team, the side was adrift. One win in 17 outings didn't inspire any confidence. Spirits were low. The team's brand of cricket was unclear. England had lost its soul. Early on in his partnership with coach Brendon McCullum, it was evident the duo were cut from the same cloth: bold, unafraid, instinctive. Together, they didn't just rebuild a team; they redefined it. They exorcised passivity from England's character. No more playing for the draw. No more waiting for the game to come to them. Stokes and McCullum lit a fire and gave it a new name: Bazball. Its evangelists were keen to underline that this style of cricket was not about reckless bravado, but about freedom. And at the heart of it was a liberated Stokes. The 2023 series had a not-so-glamorous 2-2 score on paper. But those who watched every ball know that this series housed some of the most riveting contests the red ball game has ever seen. At Lord's, when tensions flared after the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow, it was Stokes who walked the tightrope between rage and grace. His counter-attacking 155 nearly pulled off the impossible. Belief is a Ben Stokes staple. The most recent proof of concept coming from England's recent triumph over India at Lord's in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. With India matching England blow for blow with bat and ball, Stokes effected a game-changing run out of Rishabh Pant in India's first innings — an athletic pinpoint throw after bowling five overs of short-pitched darters under intense heat. Not only was a threatening partnership broken, but that run out galvanised the crowd to get behind the home boys. Stokes, the bowler, has been exceptional all through this series, but more so at Lord's. He struck twice in the first innings, however, it was his performance later in the match that defined the contest. He bowled himself for 24 overs on the trot, at speeds exceeding 137 kmph, removing K.L. Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and nightwatchman Akash Deep in a pivotal session on the penultimate day. His sustained 9.2-over burst on the final morning laid the foundation for England's eventual victory. As a leader, his composure and tactical might took centrestage whenever tempers ran high. Sharp catching positions, attacking bowling changes and faith in their short-ball strategy to dismantle the lower order paid rich dividends. He managed 44 and 33 in testing conditions and against menacing opponents like Bumrah, anchoring England's lower-order resistance. The home side won by a narrow 22 runs, proving his shifts invaluable in the end. That triumph gave England 2-1 lead in the series, reaffirming Stokes' own status as the pulse of the red-ball setup. Bazball is an easy concept to bash because of its volatility. But its champions remain unfazed. What Stokes and McCullum have built is more than a team. It's a culture. They've made Test cricket thrilling again. Not because they win every time, but because they aren't afraid to lose. And that, oddly, is what makes them win more. Stokes' redemption is more about persistence than perfection. His ascendancy was anything but smooth — in fact, the first chapter of his career had more infamy than glory. The 2016 T20 World Cup final cast a long, painful shadow. The 2017 nightclub brawl in Bristol led to an arrest, a trial, and a suspension. He lost the England vice-captaincy and missed the 2017-18 Ashes. It takes something special to resist spiralling and emerge transformed in spirit. Stokes didn't just have to reclaim his place in the team — he had to earn back the trust of a dressing room, and a nation. Turns out, he's done that and in some style. Some players create history. But once in a generation, one becomes it. Benjamin Andrew Stokes — Remember the Name!
NDTV
a day ago
- Sport
- NDTV
"Bat, Ball Or Bare Hands...": Yuvraj Singh's Special Tribute For Retiring Andre Russell
Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh wished West Indies star Andre Russell shared good wishes as the explosive all-rounder bid farewell to international cricket on Wednesday. Taking to Instagram story, Yuvraj shared a heartfelt message along with Russell's picture, calling him one of the fiercest cricketers in the world. "One of the fiercest competitors on the field be it with bat, ball or bare hands! Didn't matter what the situation was, few could turn a game like you! Much respect, big man! Good luck for the next innings!" Russell, known for his power-hitting and game-changing abilities, has left a big mark on the T20 circuit. West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell bowed out of international cricket on a losing note during the second T20I against Australia at Jamaica on Wednesday, but not without serving his fans one last bit of entertainment with a quickfire knock. During the second T20I, Russell turned back the clock, smashing a blistering 36 in just 15 balls, with two fours and four sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 240.00. It was his knock, along with opener Brandon King (51 in 36 balls, with three fours and four sixes), that powered WI to 172/8 in 20 overs. Adam Zampa (3/29), Glenn Maxwell (2/15) and Nathan Ellis (2/34) were the top bowlers for Australia. Knocks from Josh Inglis (78* in 33 balls, with seven fours and five sixes) and Cameron Green (56* in 32 balls, with three fours and four sixes) took Australia to a thumping eight-wicket win with 28 balls left. 'Dre Russ' finishes his career with 1,122 runs in 86 T20Is and 75 innings at an average of 22.00 and a strike rate of over 163. He scored three half-centuries, with a best score of 71. He is the 11th-highest run-getter in T20Is for the Windies. He is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20Is for Windies, with 61 scalps at an average of 31.45, best bowling figures of 3/19. He ends his international career with 2,158 runs at an average of 23.97 in 143 matches and 123 innings, with seven fifties and a best score of 92*. He took a total of 132 international wickets at an average of 32.21, with best bowling figures of 4/35. Scoring just two runs and taking a wicket in single Test he played, Russell was a solid performer in ODIs, with 1,034 runs at an average of 27.21 in 56 matches and 47 innings, at a strike rate of 130.22. He scored four half-centuries in the 50-over format, with the best score of 92*. In ODIs, he also took 70 wickets at an average of 31.84, with best figures of 4/35. Speaking after the win, Russell said thanks to fans for all the support and for turning up to his home ground of Sabina Park to watch him play. He also thanked West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for giving him an opportunity to play during the series in front of his home crowd. "I just want to say thanks, thanks to the people in the Sabina Park and to the WICB for the opportunity. Just happy to play in front of the home crowd, the result did not go our way, but I am just happy to have played so many matches and wish the team the best going forward. The result did not go our way (today), thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it the most," he said. Russell also expressed how the two T20 World Cups he won back in 2012 and 2016 remain the crowning jewels of his career. "But at the end of the day - I think it was time to move ahead. We have a good bunch of guys (in the team), Shephard is throwing some punches, and there are the likes of (Sherfane) Rutherford, Alzarri (Joseph) and (Jason) Holder as well. Amazing to finish my career at Sabina Park, the result did not go our way, but that is the game of cricket. You have supported us a lot and do keep supporting us going ahead," he concluded.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Russell bows out of T20I cricket with loss against Australia in 2nd T20
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell bowed out of international cricket on a losing note during the second T20I against Australia at Jamaica on Wednesday, but not without serving his fans one last bit of entertainment with a quickfire knock. During the second T20I, Russell turned back the clock, smashing a blistering 36 in just 15 balls, with two fours and four sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 240.00. It was his knock, along with opener Brandon King (51 in 36 balls, with three fours and four sixes), that powered WI to 172/8 in 20 overs. Adam Zampa (3/29), Glenn Maxwell (2/15) and Nathan Ellis (2/34) were the top bowlers for Australia. Knocks from Josh Inglis (78* in 33 balls, with seven fours and five sixes) and Cameron Green (56* in 32 balls, with three fours and four sixes) took Australia to a thumping eight-wicket win with 28 balls left. 'Dre Russ' finishes his career with 1,122 runs in 86 T20Is and 75 innings at an average of 22.00 and a strike rate of over 163. He scored three half-centuries, with a best score of 71. He is the 11th-highest run-getter in T20Is for the Windies. He is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20Is for Windies, with 61 scalps at an average of 31.45, best bowling figures of 3/19. He ends his international career with 2,158 runs at an average of 23.97 in 143 matches and 123 innings, with seven fifties and a best score of 92*. He took a total of 132 international wickets at an average of 32.21, with best bowling figures of 4/35. Scoring just two runs and taking a wicket in single Test he played, Russell was a solid performer in ODIs, with 1,034 runs at an average of 27.21 in 56 matches and 47 innings, at a strike rate of 130.22. He scored four half-centuries in the 50-over format, with the best score of 92*. In ODIs, he also took 70 wickets at an average of 31.84, with best figures of 4/35. Speaking after the win, Russell said thanks to fans for all the support and for turning up to his home ground of Sabina Park to watch him play. He also thanked West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for giving him an opportunity to play during the series in front of his home crowd. "I just want to say thanks, thanks to the people in the Sabina Park and to the WICB for the opportunity. Just happy to play in front of the home crowd, the result did not go our way, but I am just happy to have played so many matches and wish the team the best going forward. The result did not go our way (today), thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it the most," he said. Russell also expressed how the two T20 World Cups he won back in 2012 and 2016 remain the crowning jewels of his career. "But at the end of the day - I think it was time to move ahead. We have a good bunch of guys (in the team), Shephard is throwing some punches, and there are the likes of (Sherfane) Rutherford, Alzarri (Joseph) and (Jason) Holder as well. Amazing to finish my career at Sabina Park, the result did not go our way, but that is the game of cricket. You have supported us a lot and do keep supporting us going ahead," he concluded.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australia thump West Indies after Inglis and Green masterclass
Key posts 3.08pm Green, Inglis brutalise Windies attack to double series lead 11.54am Maxwell opening for Australia 11.38am Australia need 173 to go 2-0 up 11.23am Connolly drops a catch, Ellis gets Russell 11.03am Zampa strikes twice in three balls 10.32am King passes 50 then is out to Zampa 9.37am Australia win the toss and bowl first again 9.37am India and England getting spicier by the minute Hide key posts Latest posts Latest posts 3.08pm Green, Inglis brutalise Windies attack to double series lead By Daniel Brettig Cameron Green brutalised the West Indies bowlers for the second time in as many matches, this time aided by the impish Josh Inglis, to give Australia a 2-0 lead after Andre Russell's final two Twenty20 internationals. A partisan crowd at Sabina Park was briefly thrilled by Russell's parting 36 from 15 balls, but were later having to duck for cover as Inglis (78 from 33) and Green (56 from 32) made remarkably short work of a chase for 173 to win, rushing to the target with 28 balls to spare. Glenn Maxwell had been promoted to open and made a momentary dent in the left-arm spin of Akeal Hosein, before his exit to Jason Holder was soon followed by that of captain Mitchell Marsh. At 2-42 in the sixth over this game was in dispute, but Inglis and Green had other ideas as they added 131 in a mere 59 balls. Both sides struck 12 sixes apiece, but Inglis, Green and the rest of the Australian top four totalled 24 boundaries in all, well clear of the West Indies' tally of 19. Russell, for what it's worth, reckoned that the West Indies total was at least 20 runs short of being competitive. The combatants were somewhat sloppy in the field, shelling seven catches between them. However, Australia's target was kept manageable by the diligence of a bowling attack that has succeeded in corralling the Caribbean side's big hitters for successive games on a ground of small dimensions. Adam Zampa (3-29) did not take a wicket in game one, but he made up for it this time around, while Nathan Ellis (2-34), Maxwell (2-15) and the Twenty20 debutant Matt Kuhnemann all played their roles soundly. 'We dropped four catches along with them [West Indies], so we need to sharpen up there, but I think just all around, the West Indies can put you under a lot of pressure,' Marsh said. 'I thought our spinners were fantastic. Our fifth bowling option as a collective was really good. 'They made use of the conditions and then, Josh Inglis is playing like that, there aren't many bowlers in the world that can bowl to him, so that was outstanding.' Inglis has long been capable of inflicting rare damage on white-ball bowling attacks, and already has two T20 international centuries under his belt. But with each such destructive innings, Inglis will add to the temptation for Australia's selectors to toss him back into Test cricket during the home Ashes summer, perhaps in place of Beau Webster at No.6. That kind of scenario will only be possible if Green is back bowling well, to ease pressure on Australia's ageing frontliners, but the growing authority he has shown at the batting crease on this tour can only help. 1.39pm Captain Mitch Marsh on a memorable win 'We dropped four catches along with them (the West Indies), so we need to sharpen up there, but I think just all around, the West Indies can put you under a lot of pressure. 'I thought our spinners were fantastic. Our fifth bowling option as a collective was really good. 'They made use of the conditions and then, Josh Inglis is playing like that, there aren't many bowlers in the world that can bowl to him, so that was outstanding.' 1.19pm Australia thump West Indies after Inglis and Green masterclass By Tom Decent What a dominant display in Kingston. Josh Inglis (78 off 33 balls) and Cameron Green (56 off 32) have put on a magnificent 131-run stand to get Australia home by eight wickets with 28 deliveries remaining. Despite the early loss of Glenn Maxwell (12 off 10) and Mitch Marsh (21 off 17), Inglis and Green were completely dominant against a West Indies attack bereft of answers. There were a number of dropped catches and Australia made the hosts pay in a big way after initially being 2-42 after 5.3 overs. Great batting as Australia finish on 2-173 and take a 2-0 lead with three matches to play. The next game is on Saturday at 10am AEST. Inglis and Green hit nine sixes between them. Dangerous scenes being in the stands at Sabina Park when those two are on song. 1.15pm Green brings up half century from 28 balls Australia are putting on a clinic at the moment. With a cover drive to the boundary, Cam Green brings up a half century from 28 balls. Hasn't taken any crazy risks and has made full use of the short boundaries straight. All but over now as Inglis smashes a six over mid-wicket. Run chases don't come much better. 1.08pm Holder drops Inglis as 100-run partnership comes up Not ideal. Josh Inglis skies a ball and Jason Holder runs back to take the catch but make a meal of it. Didn't look like grabbing it. Needed that to stay in the game did the Windies. Salt in the wound as Cam Green carts Holder for six over mid-wicket next ball. Happens so often. Inglis is taking the mickey now. Clubs one over fine leg to go to 67 off 30 balls. Heck of an innings. The 100-run partnership comes off 52 balls. Things really falling apart for the Windies here. Australia 2-147 after 14 overs, require 26 from 36 balls 1.04pm Australia need 45 off 42 balls Cam Green whacks Motie for a six down the ground and a four to ensure his side remains in an auspicious position to get the job done. Eight wickets in the sheds is a great spot to be in. Australia 2-128, require 45 runs from 42 balls. 12.59pm Inglis brings up half century with monster six Andre Russell bangs one into the deck but Inglis follows through and creams it onto the roof of Sabina Park straight down the ground. So much for Russell's farewell match… It's been an impressive half century from Inglis and it comes off 22 balls. Fun fact ... Inglis has two T20I hundreds (110 vs India in 2023 and 103 vs Scotland in 2024) but has never made a score between 50 and 100 in this format. Wow. Arguably an even more impressive shot as Inglis plays a reverse ramp for four. The fact it was so full and fast … superb. Then another two balls later, this time over the wicketkeeper. Ridiculous 360 degree batting. Australia in a strong position to take a 2-0 lead in this five-match series Australia 2-116, require 57 off 48 balls 12.52pm 100 up for Australia The visitors have consolidated nicely after the early loss of Maxwell and Marsh. A lovely mix of singles and big bombs to keep the scoreboard ticking over and get that required run rate under eight an over. If this pair can bat for another five overs, call it off. Inglis is 44 and Green 21. 12.45pm It's raining sixes in Kingston Inglis really ups the tempo with a six over mid-wicket off Motie. Very clever use of the crease, rocking back to thump one into the stands towards the Kingston Cricket Club. Cam Green now cracks one out of Sabina Park over square leg. Australia's batsmen had a centre wicket practice session with pink balls under lights three days before the third Test. Green, clearly with one eye on the T20 series that followed, was belting balls out of the ground. Similar shot just then. At the halfway mark, Australia look like they should get the job done. 12.37pm Inglis thumps Joseph as Australia take 19 runs off an over Alzarri Joseph is copping a bit of tap as Josh Inglis goes 6, 4, 4, from balls one, five and six of Joseph's second over. Now has figures of 1-28 from two. Australia's have got that required run rate a little bit more under control. Australia 2-72 from eight overs, require 101 in 72 balls
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Mitchell Owen Creates History, Joins Ricky Ponting-David Warner In Illustrious List
Last Updated: Owen shared an 80-run fifth-wicket partnership off just 40 balls with Cameron Green, who scored 51 off 26 deliveries. News18 Star batter Mitchell Owen on Sunday, July 20, became just the third Australian batter to score a half-century on their T20I debut, drawing level with David Warner and former captain Ricky Ponting, as he played a match-winning innings against the West Indies at the Sabina Park in Jamaica. Owen shared an 80-run fifth-wicket partnership off just 40 balls with Cameron Green, who scored 51 off 26 deliveries, to put Australia on course to reach the winning target of 190 with seven balls to spare. Owen smashed six sixes while Green thumped five and two fours in his innings. After being put in to bat and making a flying start, Windies were restricted to 189/8 after losing four wickets for five runs off the last nine deliveries. Aussie Batters To Score 50+ On Their T20I Debut Ricky Ponting 98(55) vs New Zealand, Auckland, 2005 David Warner 89(43) vs South Africa, Melbourne, 2009 Mitchell Owen 50(27) vs West Indies, Sabina Park, 2025 'Firstly, happy we got the win, it was nice to contribute. Just nice to be mentioned with those class players," Owen said after the match. Meanwhile, Aussie pacer Ben Dwarshuis returned a career-best 4/36, taking three wickets in four balls. Jason Holder blocked a hat-trick delivery but was out next ball, in the penultimate over of the Windies innings. The top four Windies batters all got starts, with Roston Chase plundering 60 from 32 balls before he was caught in the deep off Dwarshuis' bowling to end a 91-run second-wicket stand with Shai Hope in the 13th over. The latter was dismissed by Owen in the 16th over. Shimron Hetmyer clubbed 38 from just 19 but Windies' lower order combined for only 11 between them as they lost 6/30 in the last five overs. In the absence of the injured Evin Lewis, Windies' new look top three laid a brilliant platform. Another victory over the Windies has given Australia, coming off a 3-0 Test series sweep, a lead in the five-match T20I series. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
