An all-rounder who burned his image on to Australian retinas in Leeds four years ago had been reliving the carnage wrought that day and then some. And while Stokes remained, defying the bouncer barrage and clobbering sixes into the Tavern Stand like an iron giant, England and their supporters still believed a target of 371 runs could be reeled in for a 1-1 series scoreline after two Tests.
But then it was over, Stokes caught off a top edge off Josh Hazlewood when attempting a 10th six, gone for 155 from 214 balls. England were seven wickets down, 70 runs still short of their gargantuan task, and Lord's-bar the pockets of spectators decked out in canary yellow - was stunned. A 2-0 lead in this Ashes series was within touching distance for Pat Cummins and his impressive Australia team, duly wrapped up an hour later and by a 43-run margin when Mitchell Starc sent Josh Tongue's leg stump tumbling.
Only one team in Ashes history have won from England's current predicament; they had a chap called Don Bradman in their ranks and baggy green caps on their heads. But then perhaps such thoughts can be deferred for a little while, even if there is just a three-day turnaround before the third Test at Headingley. Over the past five days another Ashes epic has been witnessed, with its gripping final instalment packed with enough incident and acrimony to produce a Channel 9 documentary 45 years hence.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 03, 2023-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 03, 2023-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
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