• Source:JND
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IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England captain Ben Stokes revealed that he had battled personal demons, taking himself to "some pretty dark places" but the delight of Monday's hard-fought win against India in Lord's Test has brought him immense pride and a sense of fulfilment.

Stokes scalped five wickets in the match, including three in India's second innings, and scored 44 and 33 in the two innings and ran Rishabh Pant out with a direct hit to be named player of the match after the 22-run win at the Lord's.

Chasing 193, India folded at 170 as Ravindra Jadeja's (61 not out) herculean effort went in vain.

Asked how deep he had to dig in the match, Stokes said in post-match presentation, "I've taken myself to some pretty dark places, but if bowling your country to a Test match win doesn't get you excited, I don't know what does."

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On the final day, despite his body's wear and tear, Stokes would bowl 9 and 10 over spells in pre- and post-lunch sessions to underline his commitment towards the team.

"With what was on the line... I was cooked yesterday, but the game was on the line, nothing was stopping me. I'm an all-rounder, I get four opportunities to influence the game, and if one thing doesn't click.."

"I'd like to score more runs, but you don't have a chance to worry about anything," he said at the post-match presentation.

On spinner Shoaib Bashir, who despite a fractured finger in his left hand, dismissed the last Indian batter Mohammed Siraj, Stokes said, "Bashir, it was written in the stars to take that last wicket. An absolute warrior."

Stokes effected a crucial run out of dangerous Indian batter Rishabh Pant in the Indian first innings. Pant went for an unnecessary single to get out for 74 off 112 balls.

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On that run-out, Stokes said, "In the middle of the spell, so I was pretty pumped up. Important position at extra cover, and in my peripheral I saw Rishabh stutter. One of the great feelings, when you let go of the ball and know it's going to hit the stumps.

"Always going to be the way, two very good teams going toe to toe. Not going to lie, looking forward to lying in my bed for four days," he added.