“This is not a wake-up call or anything”: Ben Stokes remains unperturbed despite England’s innings defeat versus South Africa at Lord’s on Day 3

Ben Stokes remains unperturbed despite registering his first defeat since becoming England’s Test captain in April this year.

During the first Test match of South Africa’s ongoing tour of England at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa have blown the hosts away by registering a thumping victory by an innings and 12 runs, to go 1-0 up in the three-Test series, in a contest which lasted just over six sessions.

The Proteas pace bowling trio of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi were the architects-in-chief for the visitors’ victory today, as they picked up 18 of the 20 England wickets across the two innings.

With today’s victory, South Africa continue to march on with their exceptional Test result numbers at Lord’s, having lost just one of the previous seven Tests at this venue since the year 1992.

As for England, this is their first defeat by an innings at the iconic venue in 19 years, and their first in the much talked about ‘Bazball’ era, under the captain-coach duo of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

SA lose to England Lions by an innings and 56 runs
SA beat England by an innings and 12 runs

Big guns back with the ball, and SA smash BazBall, true to Dean Elgar’s words.#ENGvSA

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) August 19, 2022

ALSO READ: Michael Vaughan predicts England’s loss even before their second innings

Ben Stokes remains unperturbed despite the loss

The ‘Bazball’ approach, which had helped Stokes and his men register record-breaking victories during each of their previous four Tests while chasing, came under fire post today’s crushing loss, after the same hasn’t yet received unanimous reception from the fans, experts and some strong proponents of Test match Cricket.

However, skipper Ben Stokes, claimed being not so much affected by today’s loss, which also happens be his first since taking up captainship duties of the England Test side.

Although, despite ruling out the defeat as a ‘wake-up call’, he did admit that his side could not execute the plans well.

“Captains before have also been criticized for the way the teams have played. This is not a wake-up call or anything, but we haven’t executed our plans well. South Africa have played better,” remarked Stokes during the post-match presentation.