The Ben Stokes exit.
“Why’s this guy not playing for England?” These were the words of Mark Waugh whilst watching Ben Stokes slog sweep a six in the Big Bash some years ago. It was an audacious shot, of course, but it was the sound off the bat that marked the quality of the batsman – the ‘crack’ echoed around the ground. It was resonant of Ian Botham pulling Terry Alderman for six over midwicket at Old Trafford in 1981. (Worth viewing on YouTube, if you’ve never seen/heard it!) England at that time were playing in a T20 tournament and struggling to score boundaries. This was the first time that I heard his name and that sound off the bat subconsciously triggered something in my brain: stop whatever it is that you are doing and watch – this could be entertaining. That message was right! Never doubt your instincts.
The dust has more or less settled since his shock announcement. Much has been written. With the New Zealand series delicately poised at one all and England requiring 372 in the fourth innings, the odds heavily favoured a New Zealand victory, but with this England side, and in particular Ben Stokes, there was always hope. The performances of the last twelve months should have erased such foolish optimism, but the McCullum era, coupled with Stokes’s staggering ability to resuscitate lost causes, always left a feeling of ‘just maybe?’
So, seeing Stokes run off the pitch at the end of New Zealand’s innings and telling Emilio Gay to relax because he was opening up with Duckett was surprising and frustrating. Then, the way he batted – having a bit of a heave-ho – frustration turned to disappointment. It set the tone for the innings and to then witness Harry Brook’s approach - a slog - my disappointment turned to anger. The game was gone. A series deciding test match, thrown away as if it were a pub beer match. I suspect several players, those that need to impress, didn’t know how they should go out and bat. Properly or have a bit of a swing.
One can only wonder what might have been, had Duckett and Gay put on 70 without loss by the close, leaving England requiring 300 on the final day. History suggests they would have lost but surely that losing cause would have been a far more dignified and appropriate exit for one of England’s most extraordinary cricketers.