Langer admits to Stokes nightmares
Australia head coach Justin Langer admits he still has “nightmares” about Ben Stokes’ Headingley heroics in 2019, but is glad to see him back for another crack at the Ashes, writes RORY DOLLARD.
The all- rounder produced the performance of a lifetime when the sides faced each other on English soil two-and-a-half years ago, turning the tide at Leeds with a superb bowling display then winning it with an unforgettable 135 not out.
England fans will never forget his monumental efforts in that match and it seems like Langer, who was captured furiously kicking a waste bin to the floor during Stokes’ knock during documentary series The Test, finds the memory equally hard to shake.
“He’s a great cricketer, no doubt about that. I still have nightmares about his innings in that third Test,” he said.
“I probably have more nightmares about his spell on day three of that game. He’s an unbelievable athlete and a great competitor.”
Stokes initially looked like missing out on this winter’s battle for the urn, having taken a break from the game to preserve his mental and physical health, but is primed to play a full part in the series – which begins at The Gabba on Wednesday – having returned to the fray.
His mere presence – both as a match-winner and a totem – makes life harder for Australia but Langer put partisan interests to one side as he welcomed Stokes’ involvement.
“It’s great for the game of cricket that Ben Stokes is playing Ashes cricket,” he said.
“We all love it as an Australian summer and it probably wouldn’t be the same without the best players playing. It’s nice to see and hopefully his health is good. We welcome him here because he is one of the superstars of the game.”