Ben Stokes never does things by halves. Watching the England captain bowl 10 overs on the second day of the first Test against West Indies, I couldn’t help but wince in empathy, remembering my own struggles after knee surgery. After returning from my first knee surgery during the 2017-18 Ashes series, I was never the same bowler again. The inability to brace my knee consistently impacted my pace, consistency, and confidence for the rest of my career.
By the end of the 2022 season, after my third knee surgery, I retired from cricket. I spent six years chasing the form I had before my first surgery but never truly found it again. This makes Stokes’ performance after his recent knee surgery even more impressive. His vigour and intent were evident when he took the ball in hand.
As a former knee injury sufferer, I was particularly interested in his technique. The first thing to observe was whether his bowling action had changed. I used to compare videos of my best performances to my post-surgery attempts, but I could never replicate my pre-surgery form.
At Lord’s, I noticed that when Stokes’ left heel struck the ground during his delivery stride, his left knee braced and locked out, allowing his body to pivot effectively and release the ball with swing, zip, and control. I didn’t focus on the speed gun; instead, I watched how well he braced his front knee and committed to each delivery. The confidence in his body was clear, a confidence that eluded me in my career.
A braced front knee is crucial for transferring kinetic energy, ensuring the ball is released with the necessary zip and nip. This ability is vital for Stokes to maintain his impact with the ball. He looked as fit and lean as ever, having dedicated himself to prime physical condition to fulfill his all-rounder role in the team.
Carrying extra weight can strain joints and cause problems, but Stokes won’t suffer from this. Even with the emergence of impressive bowlers like Gus Atkinson, a fully fit Stokes is key to England’s success in upcoming series against India in 2025 and Australia in the Ashes later that year. These series often define a captain’s tenure, and Stokes’ commitment to his fitness and bowling reflects his awareness of this.
Stokes’ return to form as a bowler is excellent news for England fans, teammates, and administrators. True to his nature, he does not do things by halves.
Credit: BBC Sport
