On a gripping final day at Lord’s, England’s talisman Ben Stokes produced a fiery spell that swung momentum decisively in his team’s favour during the third Test against India. With the series delicately poised, Stokes led from the front, delivering a relentless 9.2-over spell in the morning session. His determination and aggression paid off handsomely when he dismissed KL Rahul — India’s key anchor — with a beauty that broke the resistance.

Stokes wasn’t just working the ball — he was working the Indian batters mentally. The energy, the bouncers, and the chatter painted the picture of a man on a mission. According to former England pacer Stuart Broad, the fire in Stokes was possibly lit on Day 3, when the Indian side targeted Zak Crawley with aggressive sledging.

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Speaking on Sky Sports, Stuart Broad remarked, “What would have fired him up in this game was the Indian team targeting Zak Crawley in that one over. He wouldn’t have liked the fact that one of his players was left out there alone, facing the heat.”

Broad, who was part of many intense England-India encounters himself, admitted he hadn’t seen this level of vocal intensity from England in a long time. “I can’t remember the last time this England team was this verbal. When Archer bounced Reddy, the whole team got around him. Stokes was setting the tone,” he said.

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Stokes’ aggressive body language, sharp lines, and pointed verbals were all part of a broader strategy to put India under pressure. “He’s bowling, chatting, challenging the batters to drive — he’s trying to alter their mindset,” Broad added.

With a 2-1 lead now in their grasp after winning the Test, England have reignited their Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy campaign with fire and fury at Lord’s.