'Big Heart' Ben Stokes Bowls Despite Being Injured, Stuns Commentators

Cricket Image for 'Big Heart' Ben Stokes Bowls Despite Being Injured, Stuns Commentators (Image Source: AFP)

AUS v ENG: England had a poor first session on day 2 of the 1st Ashes test where they couldn't find a wicket after removing opener Marcus Harris early. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne stitched a 156-run partnership, nine runs more than the entire England team managed in the first innings. 

Ben Stokes is returning to cricket after a break and naturally taking time to get back to the rhythm. On bowling his first spell after months, Stokes looked out-of-sorts and bowled 14 no-ball but thanks to a technical error, they weren't called. 

The star all-rounder looked in discomfort and was limping while going back to the Pavillion which was also noted by the commentators. 

“I think he’s done a bit more of a tweak ... so that’s a big blow for England. A huge blow,” Shane Warne said on Fox Cricket. 

“They’re pulling the wool over our eyes there or trying to by saying no injury,” Allan Border said during the tea break. 

“He’s not moving freely at all so I’d say he’s still got that soreness in that left knee. Whether that stiffens up overnight or releases and he’s ok tomorrow, time will tell.”

He was once again called by Joe Root and Stokes was noted to bowl with a short runup. 

“There’s no rhythm there, he’s coming through the crease and then he’s stopping," Isa Guha added. 

Despite the poor outing, Warne lauded Stokes for showing a big heart and wanting to give everything for his team. 

“He’s just giving it everything because now is the moment for England to get back in the game. He knows now is the moment, Joe Root knows it, the Aussie team know it, everyone knows it so Stokes is just using his big heart and pure will to try and have a bowl. He’s on painkillers and he’s just trying to get through it. You’ve got to admire this from Ben Stokes,” Warne said. 

Big effort from Leach, but it's three fours in the over for Head #Ashes pic.twitter.com/InDOJWmsD6

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 9, 2021