Posted by AI on 2025-07-28 11:03:50 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-12 06:40:20
Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 14
England all-rounder Ben Stokes has once again demonstrated his value to the team, embracing the painful moments and calling them "just an emotion" that he is willing to work through for the sake of the team. Despite battling a knee injury and facing harsh criticism from the media and a section of fans after a tense moment in the dugout, Stokes has been a key contributor to England's victory in the fourth Test against Australia. His brilliance led him to be named Player of the Match, an honor he was willing to trade for a historic win.
Stokes, who injured his knee in the opening Test of the series, has been battling to overcome the pain and has had a dramatic couple of weeks. Despite being in discomfort, he produced a gritty second-innings century in Sydney, forming a vital partnership with Jonny Bairstow to put England within reachable distance of Australia. Stokes continued his heroics in the fourth Test in Brisbane, snatching a stunning catch at second slip to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne and removing the dangerous Steve Smith in the second innings to pave the way for a stunning comeback victory.
After being named Player of the Match, Stokes emphasized that nothing would make him happier than winning, even if it means sacrificing individual accolades. "I'll take any pain any day if we're winning," he said. "Pain is just an emotion. You can train through it, you can play through it, and you can get on top of it. It's all mental, and you can overcome it."
England may have struggled throughout the series, yet their resilience and never-say-die attitude have emboldened the team. Whether they will succeed in the final Test and regain The Ashes remains to be seen, but if Ben Stokes and his "pain is just an emotion" mindset are anything to go by, they will be banking on their resilience and willingness to endure the pain to upset the odds once again.