Ben Stokes’ never-die spirit sets him apart: Ashwin after England skipper’s heroics at Old Trafford

“Stokes is a kind of bowler who has a hyperextension, and he leans to the side while delivering the ball. What makes it difficult is the angle, the ball comes in and swings away for the right-hander, that’s why he is able to create that difference,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

“He keeps on running in all day and bowls quick, his never-die spirit that sets Ben Stokes apart from many other cricketers. Of course, he is an all-rounder, a bowler, a batter and that’s different. In terms of sheer quality, you can always debate around the quality of the batter and bowler he is. There are several great bowlers, several great batters, but to put them under the same umbrella and with that fighting spirit he has got is what sets him apart,” he added.

With a fine century on Saturday, Stokes became only the fourth England cricketer to have scored a century and taken a five-wicket haul in the same Test match. Stokes, who had claimed five wickets for 72 runs during India’s first innings in the match, matched the feat achieved by Tony Greig, Ian Botham and Gus Atkinson for England previously.

The veteran Indian spinner also believes the Manchester Test is England’s to lose after they had picked two wickets off two consecutive deliveries in the first over.

“It is still England’s Test to lose. Look at the first innings as well, we were in a good position but once they got one wicket they got their noses head. India has a long tail. Shardul can bat. If they can pull it off, it will be pulsating. I would love to watch that. If you think it will be an easy draw, I have my doubts. You have to pull every string to draw this game. It won’t be easy. It is still England’s match, but a famous draw on the cards if India can do it,” Ashwin said.

India is still 137 runs behind England’s total with eight wickets left in hand.