Ben Stokes Shines as England Takes Control Against India
Stokes Leads England's Bowling Attack
In a challenging match for India, England's captain Ben Stokes emerged as the standout bowler on a pitch that allowed India to amass 471 runs in their first innings. This impressive total was largely due to centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. However, as the weather turned overcast, India began to lose wickets rapidly. Gill was the first to fall victim to the conditions, and soon after, the lower order crumbled.
Stokes celebrated his final wicket of Prasidh Krishna with a unique gesture, reminiscent of someone who had quickly devoured a meal. Check out the video of his celebration:
What was that gesture from Ben Stokes to Josh Tongue? 😅 pic.twitter.com/7HBIs5BlFF
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 21, 2025
Karun Nair, who had received considerable attention for his domestic performances, was dismissed for a duck after just two balls. Ravindra Jadeja was the only Indian player to reach double digits, scoring 11, while the rest of the batting lineup struggled.
Mohammed Siraj remained not out as India lost seven wickets for just 41 additional runs. Chris Woakes, expected to spearhead England's bowling, went wicketless, conceding 103 runs. Josh Tongue claimed four wickets for 80 runs, while Stokes matched his wicket tally, allowing only 66 runs.
Pope's Steady Performance Bolsters England
As Day 2 concluded, England stood at 209/3 in their second innings, maintaining a solid run rate of 4.26. Ollie Pope was the star of the day, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 131 balls, which included 13 boundaries and a strike rate of 76.33. Ben Duckett also contributed significantly with a score of 62 from 94 balls.
Jasprit Bumrah was the only bowler to take wickets for India, finishing with figures of 3/48 in 13 overs, claiming the scalps of Zak Crawley (4), Ben Duckett, and Joe Root (28). However, Bumrah did not receive adequate support from his teammates, with Jaiswal dropping catches in the slips and Bumrah himself bowling three no-balls in the final over of the day, one of which dismissed Harry Brook. Mohammad Siraj also made a stunning catch.
Notably, Siraj, Krishna, Jadeja, and Thakur failed to take any wickets, while extras added 15 runs to England's total. With Pope and Brook at the crease, England holds a favorable position as they head into Day 3.