The fifth and final Test of the England tour of India 2024 has turned out to be nothing short of spectacular, with unexpected twists and breathtaking moments that have left cricket enthusiasts around the world in sheer amazement. While the contest might be a dead rubber, the players continued to deliver outstanding performances in the series finale at Dharamsala, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
One such unforgettable moment occurred when English skipper Ben Stokes, after a hiatus of 251 days, took up the bowling duties and delivered a magical ball to dismiss the formidable Rohit Sharma.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s masterclass
As India resumed their innings at 135/1 on Day 2 after a stellar bowling and batting performance on the opening day, the stage was once again set for some remarkable performances. Rohit, leading from the front, showcased his batting prowess by slamming up a sensational century. Shubman Gill, too, added to the excitement with a magnificent century of his own.
The game seemed to be slipping away from England’s grasp, but little did everyone know that Stokes had a surprise up his sleeve.
Ben Stokes’ unexpected move and magical return to bowling duties
In a surprising turn of events, Stokes, known for his all-round abilities, decided to take matters into his own hands and assumed the role of the bowler. This move caught many off guard, especially considering the anticipation surrounding Stokes’ bowling in the India series, which he refrained from doing in the first four Tests to not stress his knee. Notably. Stokes had been grappling with a knee issue and even underwent surgery to treat it last year.
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Stokes’ unbelievable delivery leaves fans astonished
To the amazement of fans and players alike, Stokes delivered a magical ball on his very first delivery after a 251-day bowling hiatus. The ball, pitched on a good length, angled in and seamed away off the pitch. Rohit, caught off guard, left his bat hanging without moving his feet, and the ball ripped past the outside edge, hitting the top of off stump. Commentators were also left awestruck by the unexpected wicket Stokes picked.
Here’s the video:
Ben stokes 🫢 pic.twitter.com/13dMcD2R8G
— सक्षम¹⁸ (@18kingvk) March 8, 2024
Unforgettable reactions
The on-field reactions were equally captivating, with Mark Wood, the fast bowler, expressing his astonishment by putting his hands over his mouth. In the dressing room, even England’s head coach Brendon McCullum was shocked, unable to believe the spectacle unfolding on the field.
Fans, too, flooded social media platforms with a plethora of unique and enthusiastic reactions as they shared their disbelief and admiration for Stokes’ exceptional comeback with the ball.
Here’s how fans reacted:
First ball from Ben Stokes after 251 days and gets the wicket of Rohit Sharma… 🤯 pic.twitter.com/2qT4bLpOJe
— Dialectical Guy (@dialecticalguy) March 8, 2024
Skipper to Skipper
Ben stokes to Rohit Sharma#INDvsENGpic.twitter.com/KwLC4u0x8W
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) March 8, 2024
Ben Stokes career is written by God himself. https://t.co/WhjIKy8CS2
— Steven (@CgDroput) March 8, 2024
Ben Stokes’s Medical Fitness : Ben you can’t bowl anymore
Ben Stokes : Say what😅#INDvENG #INDvsENG #BenStokes #RohitSharma𓃵
— Sachiin Ramdas Suryavanshi (@sachiinv7) March 8, 2024
Ian Botham is wondering who writes Ben Stokes’ scripts…
— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) March 8, 2024
Ben Stokes has a wicket with his first ball back!
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) March 8, 2024
Wtf!!!!!!! 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/xA9SNmXkSK
— Arnab Majumder (@ArnabMa43591316) March 8, 2024
What an absolute snorter from Ben Stokes first up..nothing rohit could have done about it..needed something special to break this stand
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) March 8, 2024
Mark Wood couldn’t believe it when Ben Stokes took a wicket with his very first ball of the series. 😄 pic.twitter.com/PtbpZtxmx4
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) March 8, 2024
I don’t Understand Why Ben Stokes didn’t Bowling in Whole Series 🤯#INDvENG #INDvsENG#INDvsENGTest #RohitSharma𓃵#ShubmanGillpic.twitter.com/qQUwrcbICD
— Khabri_Prasang (@Prasang_) March 8, 2024
Ben Stokes the bowler is back and Jimmy moves to 699!
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) March 8, 2024
🚨STOKES BOWLING KLAXON 🚨
BEN STOKES TAKES THE BALL AND GETS A WICKET FIRST DELIVERY YOU COULD NOT WRITE THIS 🙌🏏🙊#INDvENG #ENGvIND #benstokes pic.twitter.com/uINv0D85Gt
— Georgie Heath🎙️ (@GeorgieHeath27) March 8, 2024