The phrase "a stern examination of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a thorough and serious analysis or review of a subject or issue.
Example: "The report provides a stern examination of the environmental policies implemented over the last decade."
Alternatives: "a rigorous analysis of" or "a critical review of".
It would be surprising if the batsmen do not all get a game from the four Tests, which will be a stern examination of England's regeneration.
England know they will face a stern examination of their new-found No1 Test status against the "hosts", who are forced to play in a neutral venue but who have already proved formidable opponents there.
Rafael Nadal survived a stern examination of his title credentials to edge out the brilliant Mardy Fish in a late-night classic at the ATP World Tour Finals.
Anzhi had started well, with the swift, intelligent movement of Willian, a £30m January signing from Shakhtar Donetsk, promising to pose a stern examination to Newcastle's defenders.
Having elected to bat first, in what transpired to be the brightest conditions of the day, Kent scored just 24 in the opening hour in the face of a stern examination by Collymore, Tim Murtagh and Steven Crook - the nominated player to step aside should Steve Finn return from England standby on day two.
Wing Ibrahim Affelay had the look of man who was desperately short of first-team soccer (which he is), and in the back line, the Danes singled out young Jetro Willems as an easy mark, and gave him a stern examination.
"Thereafter Trescothick and Compton steadied the Somerset ship, showing excellent technique in testing conditions under a stern examination from the Sussex seamers.
The home side faces a sterner examination in front of its own supporters than Scotland and Italy provided in the Six Nations this year, an indication of how Samoa have advanced in the professional era.
The severity of the economic downturn will set a stern test of lenders' credit management.
In a predictably hostile atmosphere, England displayed early nerves and goalkeeper Joe Hart, in particular, came under stern examination from the hosts.
