England captain Ben Stokes has performed down fears over his health earlier than the Ashes after his crew wrapped up a Test victory over Ireland by 10 wickets inside three days with out him batting or bowling.
Stokes declared with England on 4-524 for 4 on day two at Lord’s to make sure he was not required with the bat and after struggling together with his left knee because it flared up throughout the New Zealand collection in February, he didn’t bowl on the primary day or day three of this one-off Test both.
He had not made any contribution to the scorecard till he caught Curtis Campher off Joe Root throughout Saturday’s morning session, however the grimace on his face and subsequent hobble to hitch his team-mates in celebration despatched alarm bells ringing forward of the Ashes opener on June 16.
But Stokes revealed: “I bowled this morning (in the nets) for the first time in four weeks and I felt really good. I was real happy with how I bowled.
“I bowled for about 20 minutes and I obtained by that actually effectively. Obviously I’ve obtained time to construct up earlier than I push again into flat out however I simply landed fairly awkwardly once I took that catch.
“I didn’t quite see it so had to adjust myself and landed on my left leg. It twisted in a really strange way but it was fine, I just don’t know what really happened.
“It was a kind of issues, however I’m 32 tomorrow in order that most likely explains it.”
While Stokes was in a jovial mood after England clinched a 10-wicket victory over Ireland with a day to spare, it had been a frustrating first two sessions on day three.
Harry Tector (51) and Lorcan Tucker (44) combined to help Ireland add 118 runs for the loss of only three wickets before lunch and the run rate increased to ensure the tourists eventually impressively avoided an innings defeat.
Tail-enders Mark Adair and Andy McBrine joined forces to produce a record 163-run partnership for Ireland in Test cricket but the duo could not pass three figures.
Adair was bounced out for 88 and McBrine left stranded unbeaten on 86 when Graham Hume was bowled to leave Ireland on 9-362 for nine but with opener James McCollum unable to bat following his twisted ankle on Friday.
“No, we received the sport so, yeah, by no means exhausting to be disillusioned with successful a recreation,” Stokes insisted when quizzed on if Ireland’s fightback took the shine off an 11th victory in 13 Tests since Brendon McCullum took over.
“The recreation might have ended up ending quite a bit sooner than what it did however they confirmed some actually good grit and dedication so truthful play to them.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
