Stokes' Captaincy Under Pressure: Lord's Test Against India a Defining Moment, Says Atherton

Michael Atherton believes that the upcoming Lord's Test against India will present the most significant challenge yet to Ben Stokes' captaincy of the England cricket team. This assessment comes in the wake of a heavy defeat at Edgbaston, where India comprehensively outplayed England in all departments.

Atherton suggests the Lord's Test will be a litmus test for Stokes' leadership, demanding resilience and strategic acumen.

Stokes faces a big test at Lord's (Courtesy: AP)

Following the Edgbaston Test, questions have emerged regarding Stokes' decisions as captain. Coach Brendon McCullum himself admitted that the team made a mistake at the toss, adding further pressure on Stokes.

In his column for The Times, Atherton argued that Stokes must now contemplate how to reinvigorate his team after such a demoralizing loss. He emphasized that Stokes' leadership qualities, along with his mental and physical fortitude, would be severely tested in the days leading up to the crucial Lord's encounter.

"In the three years that Ben Stokes has captained England, it is hard to think that he has faced a sterner challenge than over the next two days, as he contemplates how to lift his players for the third Test at Lord’s. It will be a massive test of his leadership, and his own mental and physical resilience," Atherton stated.

Atherton drew parallels between Stokes' need for personal space after the Leeds win and the current situation, suggesting that Stokes must now dedicate himself to rallying his players after being outplayed at Edgbaston.

"It is not hard to imagine, then, how he must be feeling now. There was a gap of seven days between the first and second Tests The three days that Stokes used to shut himself off from the world after Leeds for his own benefit, are essentially the days he must use now to rally his players. His workload at Edgbaston was not dissimilar. He spent 25 overs longer in the field; he bowled nine overs fewer and batted 16 minutes less. Defeat, of course, exacerbates matters. If he was feeling knackered after a win at Leeds and with a seven-day break, how must he have been feeling on Monday morning with the Lord’s Test three days away?" said Atherton.

Atherton Recommends Changes to the Lineup

Regarding the composition of the playing XI for the Lord's Test, Atherton proposed the inclusion of Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson, replacing Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse. Atkinson's addition to the squad was confirmed following the Edgbaston Test.

"I’d keep faith with the batting and freshen up the seam attack, bringing in [Jofra] Archer and [Gus] Atkinson for Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse," Atherton suggested.

The third Test between India and England is scheduled to commence on July 10th at Lord's.