Ben Stokes was ruled out of the Test match at The Oval due to a shoulder injury. Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that England would have won the fifth Test at The Oval if Stokes had played. The England all-rounder was sidelined because of the injury.
Michael Vaughan: In his absence, vice-captain Ollie Pope led the England side in the match, which they narrowly lost by six runs. Despite strong centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) in the second innings, England fell short while chasing 374 runs. On the final day, they were just 35 runs away from victory with four wickets in hand.
However, Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled brilliantly to secure a thrilling win. Siraj’s five-wicket haul in the second innings earned him the Player of the Match award. With India’s win in the final Test, the series concluded in a 2-2 draw.
Michael Vaughan: England Would’ve Won This Test If Ben Stokes Had Played
On the BBC’s “Test Match Special,” former England captain Michael Vaughan emphasized the huge impact Ben Stokes has on the team. He believes England would have secured victory in the final Test if Stokes had been part of the lineup.
“Had Ben Stokes been in the team this morning, England would’ve won the Test match. He brings such a crucial mentality to the side. Watching this morning, you could see England panicked,” Michael Vaughan said.
Michael Vaughan: “They just needed one solid partnership, but they lost composure. England play with great aggression, but when they panic, it shows,” he added.
Stokes watched the fifth Test from the stands at The Oval. He had a stellar performance in the previous Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, where he scored a century and took a five-wicket haul.
Michael VaughanThe England all-rounder scored 304 runs in seven innings at an average of 43.43, including one century. With 17 wickets in four matches at an average of 25.24, he was the third highest wicket-taker in the series. Stokes also earned Player of the Match honors in both the Lord’s and Old Trafford Tests.
