If there is one name in cricket which performs in the most important matches and crucial times, it is Ben Stokes. Be it the Edgbaston 2019 Ashes or the World Cup final 2019, this man stands tall for England every time the team needs him in the most important matches. Most of those innings have come for him in a winning cause, however some result in a heartbreak.

Today was one such innings played by him, which came in a losing cause. But his effort was a valiant one, for his team and for other teams who hardly show any intent in crucial matches. The captain of the English team stepped up for England at a time, when they were reeling backwards. He played an innings like this when he had the baggage of having lost the first match due to his decision of declaration.

Stokes is one of those players, who performs the best in pressure, and he has proved it time and again. Edgbaston 2019 is when he showed what a freak he is, and in 2023 Ashes proved how good he leads the side. He came, he saw, he dismantled the Aussies. He hit sixes when all the 9 Aussie fielders were placed on boundaries. He showed the world that no matter what it says about Bazball, he will always follow it. And boy, he did that in some style.

A classic 155 with a strike rate close to 75 in test match is amazing, and knowing that he was man standing in between Aussie victory makes it even more amazing. He brought back the hopes of his team when most of his colleagues were looking helpless and hopelessly distraught. Looks like he is stubborn to show the world that Bazball is not as bad as it is painted by few critics. And even though , he failed in proving it with a victory, he did it by winning hearts.

If someone asks what is New Zealand's biggest loss, it has to be Benjamin Stokes. He is a great bowler, he is even better batter and he is one of the finest captains. His decision making and perfect implementation to trap Aussie batters prove the same. In the era, where test cricket is losing its importance, it's captains like Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes which are necessary to revive the red ball cricket. The longest format of the game can only survive with aggressors like these. And hence, even though Ben might win some matches, he might lose some but test cricket needs a gutsy player like him.