Root rues loss of his victorious all-rounder

BEN STOKES showed why he will be irreplaceable for England at Lord’s this week by having the decisive say on the final day of a thrilling first Test against India.

The talismanic all-rounder struck twice in his first over, including the key wicket of India captain Virat Kohli with his third ball, before sealing a tense 31-run victory with the dismissal of Hardik Pandya.

It’s a result that puts England 1-0 up in the five-match series but they will miss Stokes for the second Test as it clashes with his trial at Bristol Crown Court on a charge of affray, which starts tomorrow.

After praising the all-rounder’s contribution on the final day, England captain Joe Root admitted his absence at Lord’s will be a huge blow.

‘Stokesy wants to be involved in the big moments of the game and he did just that today,’ said Root.

‘It’s always a miss whenever he’s not playing.’

Stokes has been dogged by the fallout from his alleged involvement in an altercation outside a Bristol nightclub while on England duty last September, including suspension by the England and Wales Cricket Board for last winter’s Ashes tour.

Regardless of the outcome of his trial, the 27-year-old will have to go through an internal ECB disciplinary process immediately after it that might mean he misses more cricket.

Stokes believes this win will silence some of England’s critics, saying: ‘We have had some stick recently and beating a team like India has probably closed a few mouths.’

India bowler Ishant Sharma has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for his celebration of Dawid Malan’s wicket on day three.