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"Grabs The Game By Scruff Of The Neck": Ex-ENG Pacer Remarks What Makes Stokes Special

Soumyajit Dutta

Ben Stokes and Steven Finn [Source: @sygnus86/X.com]Ben Stokes and Steven Finn [Source: @sygnus86/X.com]

India faces a do-or-die clash at Manchester from July 23 against England in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy after trailing behind the hosts 2-1. A victory for England in this penultimate match would secure the series, making the final Test a dead rubber for the Shubman Gill-led visitors and a victory for Ben Stokes & Co.

Shading some light on Ben Stokes' heroics, who managed to get 163 runs with the bat and 11 wickets in his 3 Tests, former English fast bowler Steven Finn expressed the uniqueness of Stokes' performance.

Steven Finn Hails Ben Stokes’ Competitive Edge

For the unaware, England's 2-1 lead after a dramatic win at Lord's was powered significantly by captain Ben Stokes' relentless all-round performance. His decisive contribution turned the game, putting England firmly in control of the series.

Reflecting on Stokes' impact, former England fast bowler Steven Finn highlighted his unique drive.

"If you dangle that carrot of competitiveness in front of him, he's going to chomp on it all day long. And he sensed the need for someone to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, both on the fourth evening and the fifth morning. And he did it and he ran with it," Finn said on BBC 5 Live Sport as seen on a YouTube video.

Finn Raises Fitness Concerns For Stokes

However, Finn also echoed teammate Joe Root's concerns about the physical toll Stokes' immense effort takes.

"Every time he bowls a long spell like that, you're watching with bated breath being like, 'Don't let this be the spell where he just overcooked it that little bit too much,'" Finn added.

While India saw a fighting knock from Ravindra Jadeja, their innings crumbled around him against England's attack. Finn pinpointed what elevates Stokes.

"He's a magnificent cricketer, obviously. But it's that competitiveness and that desperation to win games and be the person who changes the course of games that make him extra special," Finn added.

With England's playing XI announced for the match, fans are now waiting for India to reveal their team for the 4th Test, as major injury blows have shaken up the think tank with a highly anticipated inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah in the 4th Test to strengthen the bowling unit.