Watch: Ben Stokes hides his face as England fight for survival
Ben Stokes (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
England managed to defy Australia in the closing stage of the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney and hold onto a draw. At the forefront of this were the visitors’ two most experienced bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who survived a few nervy moments. The two batters played out two overs of spin from Nathan Lyon and Steve Smith and avoided another defeat.
Australia managed to pick nine wickets and get rid of dangerous batter Jonny Bairstow and Jack Leach. However, they failed to get the last wicket. Skipper Pat Cummins trusted vice-captain Smith to bowl the last over against Anderson. The England batter came out unscathed and gave something to cheer to the visitors. It was Test cricket at its best, one where everyone was feeling the tension. England all-rounder Ben Stokes was one of the players, who was nervous.
During the last over the day, the cameraman caught the all-rounder trying to avoid watching the action from the dugout. Stokes was seen with his head buried in his t-shirt as Anderson was fighting it out in the middle. After England’s number 11 managed to survive the sixth and final ball, Stokes heaved a sigh of relief and applauded the efforts of the two players.
Whitewash ❌
England survive the entire last day, finish nine down, and the SCG Test is a draw!#Ashes pic.twitter.com/udZpXzLXm0
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 9, 2022
Earlier in the match, Stokes scored a crucial fifty in the first innings alongside Jonny Bairstow. The duo’s efforts enabled England to avoid the follow-on. Stokes yet again scored a crucial 60 in the fourth innings. He was battling side strain, but kept fighting for his team. It was a much-improved performance from the visitors after a string of poor performances in three Tests. The fifth and final Test match will be played in Hobart from Friday, January 14.
