IND vs ENG | Twitter in splits as raging Stokes thanks heavens after no-ball call rids him of embarrassment

03/08/2024

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The sheer roller-coaster of emotions that a Test match can be was packaged into and epitomized by a singular delivery in Dharamsala on Day 2. Ben Stokes was left slapping the ground in fury after spilling a catch but experienced a quick turnaround in sentiment after sirens echoed around the ground.

‌India had already secured themselves a 46-run first-innings lead when Lunch came around on Friday with both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill going strong on centuries with their partnership reading a formidable 160. However, there was a sudden switch in momentum immediately after the break as Ben Stokes, bowling for the first time in over eight months, and James Anderson got rid of the duo in successive overs to offer the visitors a glimmer of hope. The England skipper nearly capitalized on their sudden impetus to deal another blow to the hosts but failed to do so for several reasons in a chaotic sequence of play.

Stokes went full against the newly arrived Sarfaraz Khan on the third ball of the 66th over and the rookie did not shy away from driving it down the ground with aplomb. However, he failed to get the control he wanted and the red cherry flew at shin height back towards Stokes who could not get down quickly enough to grab on to the return catch. Lying prone on the playing surface, the realization of how big the opportunity could have been immediately dawned on the veteran as he slapped the pitch several times in a fit of rage before holding his face in hands, evidently gutted by letting his team down.

Once he had managed to recover from the setback and begin the trot back to his bowling mark, the no-ball sirens blazed with the sound of relief, and the umpire offered confirmation that the bowler had overstepped by jutting out his left hand. The cameras caught an immediate change in expression on Stokes' face as he brought his hands together and peered at the heavens to offer his thanks for being rid of the guilt, provoking a flurry of hilarious reactions on social media.

Epic!

Haha that was epic, Stokes fuming that it was a dropped catch. The umpire said it's a no ball, Stokes was like thank God I dropped it 🤣#INDvENG #CricketTwitter
— Pranav Nair (@leg_gully) March 8, 2024

Is it the case?

Stokes’ no ball record is even worse than Ollie robinson
— Sayanth (@Sayanth_rajith) March 8, 2024

No ball!

#INDvsENG. Nothing to regret Stokes for not holding the catch off Sarfaraz. No ball!!
— Soma (@Visalmama) March 8, 2024

Very interesting

Very interesting reaction from Stokes after that no-ball- he regrets dropping a catch, but sigh a relief for bowling a no ball... But Stokes ne kiya hai toh sahi hi hoga.
— Rohit Yadav (@cricrohit) March 8, 2024

LOL

Ben stokes thanked God that it was a no ball 😂😂
— Masked (@muvisfreak) March 8, 2024

Yes!

Ben Stokes thanks to God ki accha hua Catch nhi pakda No Ball thi ..!!#HappyMahashivratri #bholenath #INDvENG #NZvAUS #ShameOnElvish #SHAMELESS #INDvsENGTest
— Ashu prajapati (@Ashu28181998) March 8, 2024

Anways

Ben Stokes puts catch down on his own bowling

anyway no ball
— ABHIJIT NAIR 🏏🇦🇺 (@Rahul_bill) March 8, 2024

Genius

Why there was no second slip against new batsman on Anderson's ball.

Is this any tactical master plan from tactical god Ben stokes?
— -_- (@Rofied_Swaroop) March 8, 2024

Magician!