Ben Stokes will lead England into the second Test against India at Edgbaston with a sense of déjà vu in the air. Two decades on from Andrew Flintoff’s legendary all-round display at the same ground during the 2005 Ashes, Stokes stands on the brink of surpassing Flintoff’s career wicket tally. His presence evokes similar awe, both in his influence on the team and his ability to change a match’s course. Yet for all the admiration, Stokes is still searching for a return to form with the bat.
Despite undergoing hamstring surgery earlier this year, Stokes has returned to full fitness and has arguably been England’s most effective bowler across the opening two Tests of the summer. With eight wickets at an average of 20, he has delivered bursts of pace and movement on lifeless pitches. Just two wickets shy of Flintoff’s 219, Stokes is closing in on becoming England’s second-highest wicket-taking all-rounder behind Ian Botham.
In terms of batting, though, it’s been a different story. Stokes hasn’t scored a Test century since his stunning 155 at Lord’s in the 2023 Ashes. That innings was charged with emotion and controversy, sparked by Jonny Bairstow’s stumping. Since then, 31 innings have passed without another hundred, marking the longest such drought of his career. It’s an oddity for a player with 13 Test centuries and over 6,700 runs.
This lean spell doesn’t diminish his value to England. As captain, Stokes has the full trust of his teammates, who follow his direction unquestioningly. His leadership, combined with exceptional fielding and tactical awareness, remains crucial. The shift in his focus might reflect the team’s current needs. With the retirements of Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, England’s bowling attack is less experienced, requiring more from Stokes the bowler. Meanwhile, the batting lineup is showing signs of maturity, especially with the consistency of Joe Root.
As for India, uncertainty remains over whether Jasprit Bumrah will feature in the match. England might not mind either way Stokes averages 58.5 against the fast bowler but India’s spin threat looms larger. Ravichandran Ashwin, now retired, dismissed Stokes 13 times in Tests, while Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav have also troubled him. If Kuldeep plays on what is expected to be a dry surface, he could pose a real threat once again.
Edgbaston, with its sold-out stands and electric atmosphere, promises a fitting stage. That it will miss out on the 2031 Ashes, just like Headingley in 2027, seems baffling given its rich history of unforgettable Test moments. Perhaps Stokes, like Flintoff before him, is poised to add another chapter.
