'I think Australia, as well as Ben Stokes, will be thinking' - Kevin Pietersen recalls England captain's heroics at Headingley in Ashes 2019

Legendary England batter Kevin Pietersen reckoned that Australia and Ben Stokes will think about the allrounder’s heroics in the 2019 Ashes Test at Headingley when they come out to battle on the final day of the ongoing Test at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

Stokes scored an unbeaten 135 off 219 deliveries in the second innings of the third Ashes Test in 2019, as England chased down the target of 359 with a wicket in hand. Joe Root, the then-England skipper, also played a significant knock in the second innings, scoring 77 runs.

The 43-year-old discussed the condition for both teams ahead of Day 5. Pietersen believes that the pitch at Lord's is good for batting when the sun is out, according to the former cricketer.

"I think Australia, as well as Ben Stokes, will be thinking (Headingley 2019) and also what happened up in Birmingham when Australia chased the target in the end. There are absolutely no demons in the wicket and we also know how beautiful it is to bat on this Lord's wicket once the sun is out," Pietersen said on Sky Sports Cricket's Ashes Podcast.

I think it will come down to how big a role Stokes can play: Morgan

Former England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan, who was also present for the conversation, believes Ben Stokes will be the key for his side on the final day. The 36-year-old heaped praise on opener Ben Duckett, adding that he has been in excellent form and hopes that he and Stokes will forge a much-needed partnership on Sunday morning. He also lauded the Australian bowlers, saying they bowled exceptionally well. Notably, England were 114/4 at stumps on Day 4 and required 257 runs to win the second Test with Stokes (29*) and Duckett (50*) at the crease.

"I think it will come down to how big a role Stokes can play. Duckett has been in fine form as well if they build on it in the morning and then basically not leave too much for the guys to hit because I don't think they will bat the whole day to chase this down. So I haven't written them off but it is a long shot as Australia have bowled outstandingly well," Morgan stated.