England's captain Ben Stokes showcased remarkable determination by bowling extensive spells on the fifth day of the Test against India, challenging conventional workload management. Despite struggling with injuries and having undergone surgery earlier this year, Stokes delivered impressive performances, completing 19.2 overs. His commitment raises questions about India's strategy, particularly regarding Jasprit Bumrah's limited participation due to planned workload management. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan criticised the Indian approach, emphasising the importance of winning over managing player fatigue. Stokes' efforts exemplify dedication to the game.

"Ben Stokes bowled a marathon 9.2 over spell in the morning on day five. What a player he is. He bowls, bats and executes a crucial run out of Rishabh Pant but there is no talk of workload management. But with India it is not like that.

"Bumrah bowls five overs and waits for Joe Root to come out to bat when you need to control the game (in the second innings). It was disappointing.

"His workload was managed having not played at Edgbaston. When you play a match, there is no workload. You have to win at all costs. The Indian camp could have done that better," said Pathan on his Youtube channel.

Pathan also had admiration for Archer, who was making his first Test appearance since 2021.

"Archer was playing a Test match after four years but he did not stop. He bowled a six-over spell in the morning before returning to bowl again. Ben Stokes did not think about workload at all, if he can bowl nine overs, hum toh peeche rah gaye (Indian pacers were left behind)," he said.

To be fair to Bumrah, he bowled 27 overs in the first innings before running in for 16 overs in the second essay.

"I would say I have a settled 12. Then you see according to the situation and the wicket, the 11 you would want to go for," said Indian captain Shubman Gill when asked about the team composition for Manchester keeping the workload of pacers in mind.

Stokes' exhaustion after that epic effort was palpable as he did not have the energy left to celebrate a famous win at the fabled ground.

In his own words, he had to keep going to give his team the best chance of winning the game.

"You bowl 45 overs in a Test match and win...probably the best comparison I could do...I'm pretty cooked. It was a big day today, the game was on the line.

"Bowling to win a Test match for your country on day five...however you wake up in the morning, if that doesn't get you going or up for going out there and putting in for your team, I don't know what will," said Stokes.

(With PTI Inputs)