After an intense and grueling Ashes series, England managed to level the scores at 2-2 with a thrilling victory at The Oval. Among the standout performances that contributed to this magnificent triumph was the incredible display of talent and determination by England’s star all-rounder and captain Ben Stokes.
Stokes’ relentless efforts both with the bat and the ball played a pivotal role in ensuring a fair reflection of the series outcome.
Ben Stokes was an elated captain as host England registered a 49-run victory over Australia in the fifth and final Test at The Oval to level the Ashes 2-2 on Monday (July 31).
Chasing 384 to win, the visitors got off to a very good start as the duo of David Warner and Usman Khawaja added 140 runs for the opening wicket.
However, game-changing bowling by Chris Woakes (4-50) and Moeen Ali (3-76) on the final day denied Australia their first Ashes win away from home since 2001.
“Feel really good. 2-2 is a fair reflection at the end of the series. Australia, WTC champions, absolute quality team. Don’t think many teams would’ve been able to respond like we did after being 2-0 down. Very proud of the entire team and the effort they put in,” Ben Stokes said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Having played a lot of cricket here, you know what it’s like in the 4th innings. Australia played really well yesterday but turning up here and knowing that you still need 250 runs is really tough. The wickets came in clusters like they usually do. Our mentality was great. Real good, the way in which Woakes has come in. Not only with the ball but also with some crucial runs. He did an amazing job in the first two Test matches he came in. Wood could barely walk today, he was very sore but he gave it his best and still said he was ready to bowl,” Ben Stokes added.
