ENG vs IND 2025: ‘India targeting Zak Crawley seems to have fired up Ben Stokes’ – Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes. (Photo source: Sky Sports and Sony Sports)

Ben Stokes has been on fire on Day 5 of the Lord’s Test between India and England. The star all-rounder bowled a marathon 9.2-over spell at the start of the day and accounted for the huge wicket of KL Rahul. Stokes bowled with a lot of steam and was at the face of the Indian batters, reminding them that they were under enormous pressure at the Home of Cricket.

Former England cricketer Stuart Broad feels that Stokes was probably irked by how the Indian team singled out and sledged opening batter Zak Crawley at the fag end of Day 3.

“What would have fired him up in this game was the Indian team targeting Zak Crawley in that one over. It was great fun, brilliant to watch, but he wouldn’t have liked the fact that one of his players was out there alone, with just Ben Duckett for company, and the team going at him,” Broad said while speaking on Sky Sports Cricket.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen this England team this verbal: Stuart Broad

Broad, who represented England from 2006 to 2023, failed to recollect the last time he saw the Three Lions being as vocal as they have been during the third Test. He mentioned some of the instances where England dished out some verbal volleys at the Shubman Gill-led side.

“I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen this England team this verbal. Archer bowls the bouncer to Reddy—duck, bang—everyone’s around him, letting him know he’s under pressure. That was ignited,” the Nottingham-born stated.

“Stokes is bowling and chatting, telling the batters they’re under pressure, inviting them to drive. He’s creating a mental battle and trying to shift the Indian mindset. His team is right there with him,” he added.

The third Test carries massive significance as the winner will take a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with only two games left to play.

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