As Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill piled up their respective centuries on Day 2 of the 5th Test in Dharamsala, England captain Ben Stokes took the matter into his own hands, bowling for the first time in the series. Rohit and Gill looked in absolute control in the first session which was dominated by India. At the lunch break, Stokes was seen warming up with the ball, sending a signal that he could bowl soon. The England captain bowled the second over after Lunch and clean-bowled Rohit on the very first delivery.
Seeing Stokes shatter his stumps, Rohit looked in absolute disbelief since had hardly been troubled by other England seamers in the match thus far. But, more than Rohit, a bigger surprise was expressed by Stokes’ England teammates and coaching staff. Here’s the video:
Ben stokes pic.twitter.com/13dMcD2R8G
– (@18kingvk) March 8, 2024
Clutch god Ben Stokes bowled after ages and got Rohit Sharma bowled. Now that’s a real clutch player. Ben Stokes legend. (Pandya dreams to be this good) #stokes #INDvENG #INDvsENGTest #WTC25 #Rohit #gill pic.twitter.com/2O65z9mJzo
– Sarthak (@Sarthak52881551) March 8, 2024
It also has to be noted that Stokes hadn’t bowled for England since June 2023.
The likes of Mark Wood and James Anderson had their hands on the head, coming to terms with how Stokes was able to do what they couldn’t. Even England head coach Brendon McCullum had his hands on his face, probably hiding his laughter at what had happened in the middle.
Ben Stokes – makes things happen…!!!
Mark Wood just couldn’t believe it. pic.twitter.com/a7LT50Z6tz
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 8, 2024
Not long after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, Shubman Gill was also sent packing in a similar manner. But, this time, it was James Anderson who dismissed the second set Indian batter.
In the first session, England tried everything to contain them barring trying Stokes with the ball. The tourists tried to place a leg-slip for Rohit when Shoaib Bashir was in operation and gave pacer Mark Wood the license to use the odd short ball against the opening duo with as many as six fielders on the leg side.
However, after the break, things changed for England dramatically.
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