Ben Stokes summer
Flickr photo by Ben Sutherland shared under a Creative Commons (BY 2.0) license.

The whirlwind summer of Stokes

Alvina Ahmed·
International
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From winning the World Cup for England to keeping their Ashes hopes alive, Ben Stokes has had an absolutely unforgettable summer…

Three years ago, nobody would’ve believed that the man in Kolkata, drowning in agony with his face in his hands, would be found in the same position years later. However, this time around it’d be at a different ground and in a state of pure ecstasy. Some might’ve even laughed at the thought – but who’s laughing now? Maybe the man in question: Ben Stokes. From seeing his side home in the World Cup final to keeping them alive in the Ashes just a month later – this summer has been nothing less than magical for the English cricketer.

Back in the 2016 T20 World Cup final, it was Ben Stokes’ bowling that proved costly for England. West Indies required 19 off the last over and Stokes was the man Eoin Morgan had trusted with the ball. Little did they know, they were in for a breathtaking Brathwaite show. Six, six, six, six – and the game was over. Yes, it finished with two balls to spare. The West Indies had snatched the game from England’s grasp, and they’d done it in style.

Ben Stokes fell to his knees, trying to process what had just unfolded. It’d been a nightmare for the English side and for Stokes in particular, with the latter likely to be haunted by it forever. One would’ve thought that failure would always be associated with his name – but that hasn’t been the case. Three years later, that night in Kolkata is merely a remnant of the past.

As it stands, Ben Stokes is a cricketing hero – one who’s delivered for his side on momentous occasions. A little over a month ago, England seemed to be struggling in the World Cup final – with New Zealand’s quality bowling attack rattling their batsmen. That was until Stokes took charge. Ben’s brilliant knock of 84* off 98 balls – and a crucial 8 runs in the Super Over – saw his team lift the trophy for the very first time. After depriving England of another title just three years ago, the all-rounder was the man of the match in a nerve-wracking encounter.

Then came the Ashes, and Ben’s miracle at Headingley. A torrid start to the the third Test saw England amass only 67 runs in the first innings. In response, Australia set them a target of 359 to chase. The match swung between the two sides until England found themselves on the verge of defeat at 286/9. But like they say, it ain’t over till it’s over.

The 76* run stand between Ben Stokes and Jack Leach (with the latter contributing an all-important 1 run) helped England record one of the most memorable wins in Test history. Stokes takes all the credit, with his remarkable 135* and 4 wickets saving his country from Ashes defeat. He knew what it meant too – as he found himself on his knees again, practically delirious over what he’d accomplished. It’s been a summer of madness for Ben, but he’s undoubtedly emerged as a champion. Moreover, by leading his team to these historic victories, he’s shown the world what redemption looks like.