Ben Stokes castles Kohli: The English vice-captain justified his introduction into the attack by sending back the Indian captain.
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During the fifth day of the first Test of the ongoing England’s tour of India in Chennai, England vice-captain Ben Stokes justified his introduction into the attack by sending back India captain Virat Kohli.
It all happened on the third delivery of the 55th over when Kohli missed a near-unplayable delivery off Stokes to get out bowled. Bowling from wide of the crease, Stokes’ delivery raised a puff of dust before doing underneath Kohli’s bat.
Given the condition of a fifth-day pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the ball received a lot of assistance to bounce quite low and deceived the right-hand batsman.
Coming in to bat at No. 4 in the 20th over, Kohli departed after scoring his 24th Test half-century. Having scored 72 (104) with the help of nine fours, Kohli top-scored for the hosts in what was otherwise a disappointing batting effort.
Stokes, who hadn’t been handed the ball until the 49th over, picked the biggest wicket of Kohli to ensure that he doesn’t become a barrier between England and victory today.
On the back of England spinner Jack Leach picking bowling figures of 26-4-76-4, the visitors bundled out India for 192 in 58.1 overs in a 420-run chase to register a 227-run victory. Apart from Leach, veteran pacer James Anderson also bowled exceedingly well to pick figures of 11-4-17-3.
Ben Stokes castles Kohli
How Twitterati reacted:
Anderson still can’t get Kohli out. SAD! #INDvENG
— Andrew Miller (@miller_cricket) February 9, 2021
Ben Stokes. #INDvENG
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 9, 2021
That is the best I have seen Virat Kohli bat in a Test. It took a grubber to get him.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) February 9, 2021
One of the great Test Match wins for @englandcricket in India!! From winning the Toss they completely bossed the game. Big 1st innings runs, tactics spot on & top class bowling from the @jimmy9 and spinners!! Near perfect & a dream start to the series for England!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) February 9, 2021
To hammer India in India is an incredible performance … 227 run victory … This team are onto something potentially very special this year … #INDvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 9, 2021
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