Alastair Cook found himself in an uncomfortable spot during TNT Sports’ coverage of the first Ashes test when he asked Justin Langer about Australian views on Ben Stokes.
The former England captain posed what seemed like a straightforward question to his fellow pundit, wondering how Stokes is perceived Down Under given his consistent performances against Australia.
“I’d love to hear the Aussie point of view of Stokesy, he seems to deliver all the time against Australia. His first hundred was here in Perth in 13/14, what do the public and what do you guys think of him?” Cook asked.
What Cook hadn’t remembered was Langer’s deeply personal connection to one of Stokes’ most memorable Ashes moments.
Alastair Cook landed himself in hot water after his comments
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Langer’s response was immediate and heartfelt.
“Easily the worst day of my cricket career, without question, was Leeds,” he said, referring to the 2019 Headingley test where he was in charge of the Australian team.
That match saw Stokes produce one of cricket’s greatest innings, scoring an unbeaten 135 to secure an improbable England victory.
The memory clearly still stung for Langer, who had watched helplessly from the Australian dugout as Stokes single-handedly turned the match on its head.
“What people forget about that test match was he made an amazing 100, brilliant. The day before he bowled a nine or ten over spell which brought England back into the game,” Langer recalled.
Despite the painful memory, Langer couldn’t help but admire Stokes’ extraordinary abilities.
Former Australian coach Justin Langer recounted his miserable experience of Ben Stokes
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“He is a freak and I remember after that series I put a baggy green cap on his head and put him over my shoulder and said ‘you’re coming with me’,” he revealed.
The former Australian coach drew parallels to another England great who had tormented Australia. “It was like Flintoff back in 2005, you need that man to stand up. He can do it with both.”
Langer particularly praised Stokes’ physical condition and leadership qualities. “I just love how fit and strong he is and for a captain to walk out with that presence and do what he does, he gave me the worst day of my career.”
England ran riot in Perth after a tough start to swing the pendulum in their favour
|PA
Cook’s reaction was both apologetic and genuinely surprised. “I genuinely forgot you were the coach for that and I was not bringing that up to introduce you to TNT. I apologise,” he said with a laugh.
The awkward moment came during analysis of England’s impressive bowling display in Perth, where Stokes had just taken five wickets to help dismiss Australia.
It turns out Cook’s innocent question about the England captain had inadvertently opened old wounds for Langer.
The light-hearted exchange showed how that remarkable Headingley innings still resonates years later, even catching out experienced broadcasters who should probably know better.