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India’s premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his brilliance on Day 3 of the first Test against England at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. His impeccable bowling performance not only kept the English batters in check but also etched his name in the record books once again, particularly against England’s captain, Ben Stokes.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s record-breaking performance
Ashwin’s bowling masterclass reached new heights as he dismissed Stokes for the 12th time in Test cricket, establishing a new record for the most dismissals of Stokes by any bowler in the format. Stokes, known for his resilience, walked in with England struggling at 140/4, chasing India’s first innings total.
The crucial dismissal
With England still trailing by 27 runs, Ashwin outfoxed Stokes with a beautifully flighted delivery that gripped and turned sharply past Stokes’ outside edge, crashing into the off-stump. Despite the English skippers’ solid technique, he was unable to negotiate the spin and guile of Ashwin, who meticulously set him up with a series of deliveries before delivering the decisive blow.
Here is the video:
📽️ R Ashwin to Ben Stokes
What a delivery 🙌#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @ashwinravi99 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/sxBGnhmhl0
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 27, 2024
Also WATCH: James Anderson bowls left-arm spin at nets; Ravi Shastri rates the England pacer’s efforts
Ashwin’s strategic brilliance
Ashwin’s dismissal of Stokes was not just a display of skill but also a testament to his strategic acumen. He strategically varied his deliveries, setting up Stokes with quick deliveries before luring him into a false sense of security with a flighted ball that turned away sharply, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Batters dismissed most times by Ravichandran Ashwin in Test cricket:
- 12 – Ben Stokes
- 11 – David Warner
- 9 – Alastair Cook
- 8 – Tom Latham/ Steve Smith/ Kraigg Brathwaite
