Ben Stokes Takes One for the Team (Right in the Crown Jewels)

By Lewis Barnett 26 July, 2025 5 mins read 149 Views

God, I feel bad for laughing.

But here I am, rewatching the clip for the fifth time today, and honestly? Ben Stokes getting absolutely nailed in the privates by Mohammed Siraj's delivery might be the most universally relatable moment in cricket this year. My mate Dave texted me "RIP to his future children" with about seventeen crying-laughing emojis, and I nearly choked on my coffee.

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When Live TV Goes Horribly Wrong

Sky Sports had to scramble for damage control faster than Stokes scrambled to protect what was left of his dignity. The poor commentator - probably thinking about his own bits - muttered something about Stokes being "hit in the midships again" (again?!) before sheepishly apologizing for any expletives viewers might have heard.

Listen, if you get smacked there by a cricket ball traveling at 85mph, you're gonna swear. That's just physics.

Prakash Wakankar tried to lighten the mood by joking about what exactly the physio could do in that situation, which honestly made it ten times funnier and probably ten times more awkward for everyone involved.

The Internet Does What the Internet Does Best

Twitter exploded immediately. One genius posted "X marks the spot" with crying-laughing emojis, while another helpfully suggested Stokes "should have protection there." Thanks, Captain Obvious - I'm sure he'll remember that for next time.

Someone else just wrote "That's got to hurt" which is possibly the understatement of 2025 so far.

The official England Cricket account even got in on the action with their "Thoughts and prayers for Ben Stokes" tweet. Brutal. Absolutely brutal.

Meanwhile, Joe Root Was Quietly Making History

Poor Joe Root hit a magnificent 150 - his 38th Test century - and pushed himself to second place on the all-time Test run-scorers list, but everyone's talking about his captain's unfortunate encounter with Siraj's delivery instead.

Root's now sitting pretty behind only Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs) and honestly, at 34, he's got a real shot at catching The Little Master. He needs another 2,513 runs, which sounds like a lot until you remember this guy's been churning out centuries like he's got a quota to meet.

But today? Today belonged to Stokes and his... well, his sacrifice for English cricket.

The Warrior Limps On

Here's the thing about Stokes - the man's tougher than a two-dollar steak. He picked himself up (gingerly), hobbled around for a bit, even went off briefly to assess teh damage, then came back out to finish not out as England posted 544-7.

That's a 186-run lead over India with three wickets still in hand, by the way. Not bad for a team whose captain just took a cricket ball to the family jewels on live television.

I've seen Stokes play through broken fingers, exhaustion, and more pressure than most humans could handle. But this? This might be his most heroic moment yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often are professional cricketers trained?

The professional cricketers have a regular training schedule throughout the year. Their schedules become more intense as the cricket season approaches and when they are playing in tournaments or series. The majority of the time, professional cricketers train between five and six times a week. They concentrate on various aspects of the sport, such as physical fitness, skill training, or match practice. In the offseason there may be a reduction in intensity or frequency, which allows players to recover or focus on specific aspects of their game.

What is the typical training schedule of a professional cricketer?

The professional cricketer has a structured training program that is rigorous. It's designed to develop physical fitness, technical ability, and game strategy. The schedule usually includes morning workouts that include cardiovascular exercises and agility drills. Afternoons are typically reserved for skill-specific training, such as batting, bowling, and fielding practices. Additionally, cricketers often engage in simulated match scenarios to prepare for real-game situations, along with regular net sessions. Rest and recovery are also integral parts of the schedule, with particular attention paid to adequate sleep and physiotherapy when needed.

What role can video analysis play during a cricketer’s training?

Video analysis is a crucial aspect of modern cricket training. It allows both players and coaches the opportunity to evaluate past performances, and identify areas where they can improve. The technology allows for a detailed analysis of bowling and batting actions. Players can improve their game by using analytical tools such as slow-motion playback and other tools. During team meetings, video sessions provide insight into tactical planning for matches.

How do cricketers maintain their mental focus during long matches?

Cricketers must develop the ability to remain mentally focused throughout lengthy matches. They do this by utilizing various mental conditioning exercises. Techniques include meditation, visualization exercises, and goal-setting, which help cricketers remain calm and concentrated during high-pressure situations. Sports psychologists are often involved in helping players build mental resilience. They also help them deal with stress, anxieties, and distractions. It is common to develop a pre-delivery ritual that helps players focus on the current delivery and not the overall match status.

What is the importance of fielding drills in a cricketer's training routine?

Fielding drills should be a part of every cricketer's routine. In the modern game, fielding is a very important skill. Good fielding can make or break a match by saving runs, making incredible catches or even causing a game-changing out. Fielding drills are designed to improve agility, catching accuracy, quick reflexes, and throwing accuracy. Regular practice helps fielders to be sharp and responsive in the field, which not only boosts the team's defensive capabilities but can also contribute significantly to the team's morale and momentum.

Statistics

A typical professional cricketer may spend up to 12-15% of their training time on mental skills, such as visualization and cognitive exercises.
Fielding drills comprise roughly 20% of a professional cricketer's practice routine in the lead-up to competitive matches.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, which are regularly included in cricketers' fitness regimes, can increase their oxygen consumption by approximately 5-10%.
Research indicates that fast bowlers need to maintain a body fat percentage below 15% to optimize performance and minimize injury risk.
Professional cricketers playing at the international level may engage in upward of 200 hours of net practice sessions in a year.

External Links

How To

Bowling practice for fast bowlers: How to tailor it.

Fast bowlers require specialized training focused on developing speed, accuracy, and endurance. Start by ensuring a bowler has a firm foundation for their bowling to reduce injury risk. Resistance training is a great way to increase the strength in your legs and core. These are the two main factors that determine pace. Intersperse sprint intervals with bowling drills to simulate match situations and improve delivery consistency. Recovery is fundamental, so include activities such as swimming or cycling to maintain cardiovascular fitness without excessive impact on the joints.

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https://sportingexcitement.com/cricket/when-crickets-golden-boy-couldnt-find-his-way-back