In a captivating display of strategy and determination, Ben Stokes managed to unsettle Usman Khawaja and secure his dismissal with a remarkable field setup during the Ashes 2023. Traditionally, when a batsman plays lengthy innings in red-ball cricket, the fielding team becomes disheartened and waits for an opportunity to exploit any mistake made by the batsman.
However, Stokes defied convention by employing a peculiar field arrangement to disrupt Khawaja’s rhythm. The opening Test of the Ashes series in 2023 had been a gripping contest thus far, with England gaining a slender first-innings lead of seven runs by the conclusion of the first session on Day 3.
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Usman Khawaja had exhibited exceptional batting skills for Australia, but it was Ben Stokes’ shrewd manipulation of the field that ultimately led to Usman Khawaja’s dismissal, playing a pivotal role in England’s acquisition of the first-innings lead.
During the 113th over of the innings, Ollie Robinson was bowling, with Khawaja facing the fourth ball. Ben Stokes astutely arranged six fielders within the 30-yard circle in catching positions, applying intense pressure on the batsman. Observing this unorthodox field placement, Khawaja opted to seize the opportunity and launched an attack, anticipating a delivery pitched slightly back of a length.
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To Usman Khawaja’s surprise, Ollie Robinson delivered an unexpected yorker, a ball that is aimed at the batsman’s feet. Khawaja attempted to maneuver the ball but, to his dismay, it crashed into his off stump, effectively terminating his innings. Ben Stokes’ unconventional approach to field placement showcased his cricketing acumen and ability to think outside the box. By creating an atmosphere of pressure and uncertainty, he disrupted Khawaja’s expectations and lured him into a false sense of security.
SIX catchers in and the plan works 👏
Khawaja gone for 141.
COME ON ENGLAND! 🏴 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/6MLJcQxzCX
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 18, 2023
Ben Stokes’ strategic move and unusual field placement garnered praise from fans on Twitter, who likened it to a game of box cricket, emphasizing the novelty and brilliance of the tactic.
Brilliant captaincy by Ben Stokes. That’s the value of building pressure even against someone batting on 141. The field placements got into Usman Khawaja’s head.#Ashes
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) June 18, 2023
How Ben Stokes set up the field leading to the Khawaja dismissal.
The beauty of Test Cricket. #ENGvsAUS #Ashes23 #Khawaja pic.twitter.com/dCYDXLbf9Y
— Nirmal Jyothi (@majornirmal) June 18, 2023
Let’s talk about this field set-up by Ben Stokes for Usman Khawaja’s dismissal.
BazBall at its full flow!#TheAshes #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/CiKLnK4wqa
— Geo Super (@geosupertv) June 18, 2023
U. Khawaja 141. Bowled O. Robinson, Freaked B. Stokes. pic.twitter.com/NABUB2dCun
— James Bird (@hollajamesbird) June 18, 2023
Stokes sets up the field for Khawaja’s wicket.#Bazball #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/UFbWbKVdd4
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) June 18, 2023
Ben Stokes captaincy masterclass
You beauty mahn
Guy just forced Khawaja to do something different
Whatta captain— STON.POST (@ston1post) June 18, 2023
Crazy field placement to get khawaja…insane from stokes…😅😅….#Ashes23 #Theash pic.twitter.com/FYhLi25aHV
— SUBHAJIT SARKAR🇮🇳 (@SUBHAJI16794418) June 18, 2023
Let’s talk about this field set-up by Ben Stokes for Usman Khawaja’s dismissal.
BazBall#TheAshes #ENGvsAUS #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/m4lJyoSjbb
— 𝗔𝘀𝗮𝗱 𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗻 (@asadulamin70) June 18, 2023
