Ben Stokes credits Ottis Gibson for his 6 wicket haul

Prolific all-rounder Ben Stokes stole the limelight on the 1st day of the 3rd and final Test of the ongoing Test series between England and the West Indies. Stokes’ brilliant 6 wicket haul saw a shaky West Indies batting order get restricted to a total of just 123 runs. Stokes went to end the day with his career best figures as far as bowling in Tests is concerned with 6 wickets for just 22 runs to his name.

A huge crowd filled up the stadium in order to see England’s most successful Test bowler, James Anderson, reach the 500 Test wicket mark. But with Stokes picking up 6 out of the 10, Anderson will now have to wait for the second innings. However, Anderson had a dazzling start to the day as he picked up the first two West Indies scalps and ended the day one wicket short of 500.

Stokes’ bowling spell was marked by pace and a notable amount of swing which made him too good for the visitors. Stokes’s return saw him become just the sixth England cricketer to put himself on both Lord’s honors board that record all those who have scored hundreds and taken five— or 10 in a match — in a Test at ‘the home of cricket’.

What Stokes said:

When asked if it was his best performance with the ball in hand, Stokes said it was. “Yes, I think so.” he said. “It was obviously swinging when I got the ball in my hands — and when it does swing like that, it’s a good opportunity just to run up and know it’s going to do something,” he added.

“Rooty let me bowl for a long time, which I quite enjoy doing,” “Jimmy and I were a bit confused at one point, because he came to take his stuff off but I already had my hat and jumper off — and Joe just said ‘Oh, keep going’. Then after that, he just told me ‘Keep going after the break as well’.” he stated.

Ben Stokes hailed the efforts of bowling coach Ottis Gibson and mentioned that the West Indian shaped the bowler for the last few weeks.

“The hard work contributes towards success, which is why I gave a little wave up to Gibbo — he’s helped me over the last six or seven weeks,” said Stokes. “He’s put loads of hours in with technical stuff, bowling in the mornings. If it wasn’t for him, I’m not sure I’d have had a day like I did today.” Stokes added.

“Obviously at Lord’s, the home of cricket, to be on one honours board (is great) … no one can take it away from you — and I’ll always be able to say I’m on there through batting and bowling.” said the all-rounder.