England captain Ben Stokes is firmly focused on the present as he leads his side into the third Test against India at Lord’s, choosing not to dwell on the unforgettable 155 he scored at the same venue against Australia two years ago.
“That was two years ago, so pretty over that now,” Stokes said in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, cutting short any nostalgia around that famous Ashes innings in 2023.
While his recent numbers haven’t quite matched his reputation, the England skipper remains hopeful of making a substantial impact in the ongoing series. “Hopefully the score is around the corner,” he added, hinting at a turnaround in his batting fortunes.
The five-match series is currently level at 1-1, and India will walk into the iconic venue high on confidence, having won two of their last three Tests at Lord’s — including memorable victories in 2014 and 2021.
Stokes, meanwhile, has endured a quiet series so far, scoring 86 runs across four innings with a highest score of 33. However, he has had more success with the ball, picking up six wickets, including a four-wicket haul in Leeds.
Since the start of 2024, Stokes’ form with the bat has been underwhelming by his standards. In his last 16 Tests, he has managed just 697 runs at an average of 26.81, with five fifties and a top score of 80.
But if there’s one venue that could spark a revival, it’s Lord’s. In 12 matches and 20 innings at the ‘Home of Cricket’, Stokes has scored 843 runs at an average of 44.36, including three centuries and five half-centuries. His highest score — that match-winning 155 — remains etched in the memory of fans.
His record against India, however, has been modest. In 20 Tests against the visitors, Stokes has scored 1,058 runs at an average of 24.60, with one century and five fifties.
England’s playing XI for the third Test includes a couple of changes. Jamie Smith will take over wicketkeeping duties, while fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse return to bolster the pace attack alongside Chris Woakes. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir retains his place.
England playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
The third Test begins Thursday at Lord’s, with both sides looking to seize the advantage in what has already been a closely fought series.
