Joe Root came under fire for his handling of talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes on the third morning of the Brisbane Ashes Test.
Earlier on in the Australia first innings, Stokes appeared to pick up an injury when chasing a ball heading towards the boundary. The Durham all-rounder – who appeared to be in discomfort – then went 38 overs without bowling before being brought on to bowl a one-over spell in the third session; Travis Head took 12 runs from that over with Stokes bowling in the high 70s/low 80s mph, well down on his normal pace. He later returned to the attack for another three-over spell towards the end of the day.
England later confirmed that Stokes had jarred his knee but he was cleared to continue to play after being assessed by their medical team overnight.
Stokes, who was playing his first Test since March and his first competitive game in any format since July having taken an extended break from the game to prioritise his mental health.
He was brought into the attack to bowl the 11th over of the third morning and proceeded to bowl a wicketless three-over spell that conceded 15 runs and included a straight six from Travis Head and a firm straight drive from Nathan Lyon for four.
Ben Stokes bowling now is up there with one of the stupidest things I’ve seen on a cricket field. And there have been many. Helps no one. Bar Aus.@_PaulHayward‘s right: the talisman’s burden. #ashes
— Isabelle Westbury (@izzywestbury) December 10, 2021
Stokes finished with figures of 12-0-65-0 – this second most expensive outing with the ball in Test cricket when he has bowled more than 10 overs.
Given his importance to this England team – not only with what he offers with bat, ball and in the field but also how he makes it easier for Root to balance his side – the England captain came under scrutiny for risking Stokes’ fitness with Australia already so far ahead in the game and with four Tests in the series to go.
Telegraph journalist and Triple M commentator Izzy Westbury tweeted her dismay at Root’s decision to bring Stokes on to bowl on the third morning. She wrote: “Ben Stokes bowling now is up there with one of the stupidest things I’ve seen on a cricket field. And there have been many. Helps no one. Bar Aus.”
Stokes’ third morning spell lasted three overs as Australia’s tail – with the able support of Travis Head – helped extend their side’s lead to 278.
