Stokes, England’s ‘Mr Incredible’ inspires win in 2nd test, series tied

PTI, Jul 21, 2020, 9:56 AM IST

Manchester: Whatever the format, whatever the circumstances, Ben Stokes continues to deliver match-winning performances for England’s cricket team.

The latest masterclass by the swashbuckling allrounder has taken the test series against the West Indies to a decider.

Stokes delivered crucial contributions with bat and ball to lead England to a 113-run win late on the final day of the second test, tying the three-match series at 1-1 on Monday and earning him the nickname “Mr. Incredible” by his captain.

Having already put England in charge of the test after a patient 176 in the first innings, Stokes transitioned to limited-overs mode to smash an unbeaten 78 off 57 balls early on day five, allowing England to declare after 11 overs on 129-3 and set the West Indies an unlikely victory target of 312.

Survival quickly became the aim for the tourists, who needed to bat out 70 more overs to salvage a draw and retain the Wisden Trophy, after they were reduced to 37-4 after 15 overs.

A fifth-wicket stand of 100 runs between Shamarh Brooks (62) and Jermaine Blackwood (55) gave them hope of a draw heading into the final over before tea.

England’s World Cup hero from last year made the huge breakthrough as Blackwood gloved a ball down the legside to diving wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, igniting England’s charge to victory.

With 14.5 overs, or one hour left of a test played at an empty Old Trafford because of the coronavirus pandemic, the West Indies was dismissed for 198.