As mentioned in Ms Lunnon’s beginning of term assembly, when looking for the meaning of true grit and inspiration needed for this next year ahead we can turn to Ben Stokes and Jack Leach’s determined wicket partnership to win the 3rd test match of the Ashes 2019. It seemed impossible that Stokes (an amazing all-rounder) and Leach (known for his fielding and number 11 in the batting order) needed 76 runs off of 1 wicket to win the test match and with determination and nothing but support for each other they led England to a historic Ashes comeback to tie the series 1-1.
What I found so inspiring about this story was that it took 2 people to lead England to that test match victory. Ben Stokes acquired nearly all of the batting score in that last wicket except for the one run Leach scored. But it also took extreme amounts of self belief by Jack Leach as in that moment extreme pressure from Stokes, his team, his coaches and the nation was resting on his shoulders. In these moments it is easy to get overwhelmed by the pressure, but if Leach has taught us anything it is, to believe in your training and in yourself. It’s not over until it’s over, keep going and be confident in your ability.
