England reinvigorated their chances in the second Test in Vizag by claiming four Indian wickets during the first session of Day 3, despite conceding a first-innings lead of 143. James Anderson initiated the shift in momentum by dismissing both Indian openers with excellent deliveries.
However, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Gill, forming a dynamic partnership, resisted the English attack, accumulating 81 runs together and posing a threat to any chance of an English victory. A moment of brilliance from Ben Stokes, though, ensured that the game remained alive.
As Shubman Gill accelerated with three boundaries in his previous nine balls, an inspired Shreyas Iyer decided to challenge Tom Hartley in the 27th over, advancing down the track on the first ball. Despite the left-arm spinner angling the delivery down the leg stump, Gill attempted a whip through the offside, resulting in the ball being skied high in the air.
Despite the apparent safety of the shot due to the absence of a long-off fielder and Stokes stationed inside the circle at mid-off, the 32-year-old sprinted towards the boundary, constantly checking over his shoulders for the approaching red cherry. Stokes perfectly timed his forward heave, securing the catch in his palms and earning his team a crucial breakthrough.
A screamer 🤯 from Stokes sends back Shreyas Iyer!#INDvENG #BazBowled #IDFCFirstBankTestsSeries #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/nEbPLX88w3
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) February 4, 2024
Playing his first series after undergoing a major operation to alleviate chronic knee pain that had troubled him for several years, Stokes displayed visible ecstasy at completing the athletic catch. His teammates immediately surrounded him to celebrate the outstanding effort, a sentiment echoed by the Twitterati.