England skipper Ben Stokes acknowledged to being sluggish off the blocks and accepted responsibility for his run-out at a critical time on Day 4 of the second Test against India in Vizag.
With barely a glimmer of hope at 220/6 in their 399-run chase, the all-rounder paid the final price for his laziness, thanks to a stunning direct hit from Shreyas Iyer. Stokes began cautiously for a single from the non-striker’s end and was short of the crease, returning to the pavilion for just 11.
Despite outstanding lower-order resistance, his departure was perhaps the last nail in England’s coffin, resulting in a 106-run loss.
At the post-match news conference, Stokes described his unusual run-out as follows:
“I was trying to describe it in the dressing room, it was like one of those dreams where you’re trying to run faster but you can’t. I knew I had to go faster but for some reason, I just couldn’t, it was a really bizarre couple of seconds. You’d think by now at 32 I’d learn not to do that, it’s not the first time I’ve been run out doing something stupid. I always seem to do something that’s a talking point, good or bad, don’t I.”
Ben Stokes
Stokes is famous for his game-shifting runs in the 2nd innings. When he was out, the Indian team celebrated with great enthusiasm.
The guy, aged 32, has shown great leadership in the past two Test matches. With the series standing evenly at one to one, we now move to Rajkot.
“Don’t think I would have been able to take that catch before this surgery” – Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes acknowledged his successful knee surgery before the India tour with enabling him perform better on the field and make the magnificent grab of Shreyas Iyer in the Vizag Test.
In India’s second innings, the all-rounder demonstrated great athleticism by sprinting back from mid-off and diving for a catch.
“I got myself in the ring a bit more yesterday, purely to get a different view of the game and angles. When I was at extra cover I felt I was able to move a lot better, throwing the ball in off balance, so for me, before the surgery that is something I found very hard and didn’t have much confidence doing. I don’t think I would have been able to take that catch before this surgery but the way I was able to move, the freedom that I felt, picking the ball up off balance.”
Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes still needs to hit his stride with consistent batting in the series. He’s amassed 134 runs across four innings, holding an average of 33.50.
The star player ignited England’s improvement in Test cricket. Under his leadership, they’ve emerged victorious in 14 out of 20 matches.