Ben Stokes is an unbelievable player, he is a freak for what he can pull off in cricket: Steve Smith

Ben Stokes. (Photo Source: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Ace Australia batter Steve Smith lavished praise on England skipper Ben Stokes for his mind-boggling innings in the second Ashes Test at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. While chasing a 371-run target, Stokes (155 off 214) notched up his 13th career ton, giving the hosts an excellent prospect of tying the series. However, his efforts went in vain as the visitors defeated England by 43 runs to take a 2-0 lead.

Smith applauded Stokes’ performance, calling him ‘an unbelievable player’. The 34-year-old stated that the English skipper is capable of doing wonders across all formats of the game, indicating his previous executions at Lord’s. The Australian further explained how the 32-year-old was dismissed during the thrilling encounter.

“A bit of deja vu, he (Stokes) is an unbelievable player. He is a freak for what he can pull off in cricket – in different formats, on this ground, in this country, he has done some incredible things. He was targeting the short end, and the first shot that he tried the other end, he got out,” the Aussie said in a post-match presentation.

Smith further spoke about his dropped catch, saying he didn’t grab it initially and was a tough wicket. He also spoke about his knock in the first innings, remarking that scoring a decent total was significant for his side. Notably, he emerged as the Player of the Match in the second Test, for his knock of 110 and 34 in first and second innings, respectively.

“I did not pick it initially, quite difficult square of the wicket to pick the ball and eventually put it down. Difficult giving such guys a life, fortunately, hit one up the chimney later on. I think it was important to get a decent total on the board, we were looking to bowl as well looking at the overheads. To be able to navigate that stage and put a decent total helped us out,” he said.

Short ball ploy was one way to shut the scoring and both teams kept playing rash shots: Smith

Smith went on to say that they played a fantastic game of cricket while speaking about the shot ball ploy against Ben Stokes and Co. It was the one way for Australia to restrict the England batters from scoring, according to the 34-year-old. He further spoke about Nathan Lyon’s batting despite injury, stating he showed great courage and provided worthwhile contributions in the end.

“Incredible game of cricket. (On the short ball ploy) It was a bit two-paced with variable bounce, was not easy and there was not much on offer when you pitched the ball up. So it was one way to shut the scoring and both teams kept playing rash shots. (On Lyon batting despite injury) They play a dangerous brand and we never know what is safe. Nathan showed great courage and got us some valuable runs in the end,” Smith added.