Former Australia head coach Justin Langer considers Ben Stokes’ Ashes batting exploits; compares Nathan Lyon’s injury to Glenn McGrath’s Ashes 2005 performance.

The Ashes have provided spectators with many memorable matches over the years, but few of them compare to the Headingley Test of the 2019 Ashes, in which Ben Stokes went amok and led England to a magnificent victory. In the most recent installment of the series, the English captain came close to replicating his Headingley feats at Lord’s Cricket Ground. As England attempted to chase down a target of 371 runs in order to win the second Test, Stokes smashed 155 runs off 214 balls to give his team a fighting opportunity.

Australia strengthened their grasp on the series by defeating England in the second Test by 43 runs, extending their lead in the series. Former Australian cricketer Justin Langer discussed the distinctions between the 2019 Headingley Test and the 2023 Lord’s Test, as well as how the Aussies have evolved since then. He also emphasised the significance of having Nathan Lyon on the team.

“Lyon’s injury could have been decisive. Nathan’s injury was the one thing that kept me awake the most during my time as coach, as was his significance to the team, as Justin Langer was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

“As I observed him limping off the ground, I was reminded of the moment in 2005 when Glenn McGrath trod on the ball at Edgbaston. His injury was the turning point in that magnificent series, in my opinion. A series in which England triumphed,” the former head coach of Australia added.

It’s not over until Stokes has been eliminated. Justin Langer

Additionally, Langer heaped praise on England captain Ben Stokes, who appears to have a knack for performing well under duress. His brilliant knock at Headingley in 2019 brought the Australians to their knees, and it looked like it would repeat itself at Lord’s, but Pat Cummins remained serene.

“When Superman Stokes had that expression in his eye at Lord’s, I understood why everyone in England and back home in Australia was saying, “It isn’t over until Stokes is out.” Langer stated, “I also know that the Australian locker room was saying the same thing.”

“His composure was exemplary, as were his decisions. When you’ve been there before, your confidence in yourself is genuine and not phoney. There is a distinction. It is what separates the exceptional from the average. “Stokes is fantastic,” he continued.