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The second Test between India and England in Vizag provided cricket enthusiasts with a moment to remember, as England’s skipper Ben Stokes showcased his brilliance in the field by taking a sensational backward running catch to dismiss India’s Shreyas Iyer. The catch not only turned the tide in England’s favour but also left fans and commentators in awe of Stokes’ athleticism and skill.
Early setbacks for India, Gill and Iyer’s resilience:
Day 3 of the second Test began with India resuming their innings at 28/0, but early setbacks occurred as the formidable opening pair of Rohit Sharma (13) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (17) fell victim to the experienced James Anderson. However, Shubman Gill and Iyer (29) stepped up to the challenge, forming a resilient partnership that put India in control and shifted the momentum away from the visitors.
The turning point – Stokes’ magical fielding effort
Just when it seemed like India was firmly in control, Stokes produced a moment of sheer brilliance in the field. Facing a challenging delivery from Tom Hartley, Iyer attempted to hoist the ball over the infield but failed to get the distance due to a bat turn upon impact. It was at this crucial juncture that Stokes, the England skipper, showcased his exceptional athleticism.
Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah reflects on his jaw-dropping yorker dismissal of Ollie Pope in the Vizag Test
Stokes takes a sensational backward running catch
Stokes, stationed at mid-off, sprinted backwards about 20 metres with the speed of a sprinter, covering an impressive distance to reach the ball. The catch itself was a testament to his exceptional fielding skills, as he executed a perfect backward dive to hold onto the ball, which appeared away from him. The Vizag crowd, commentators, and fans worldwide were left stunned by Stokes’ agility and precision in the field.
Here’s the video:
A screamer 🤯 from Stokes sends back Shreyas Iyer!#INDvENG #BazBowled #IDFCFirstBankTestsSeries #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/nEbPLX88w3
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) February 4, 2024
Brilliant catch from Stokes to Dismiss Shreyas Iyer #INDVSENG pic.twitter.com/6v5rqut6Yl
— Ahmed Jadoon (@AhmedJadoon099) February 4, 2024
The aftermath of Iyer’s dismissal: Gill’s ton
Despite the setback with Iyer’s dismissal, Gill continued to make an impact, adding valuable runs to India’s total and slamming a ton. The partnership may have been broken, but Gill’s determination ensured that India stretched their lead over 300 runs, keeping them in a strong position in the Test match.
