It was a moment charged with raw intensity as Mohammed Siraj produced a stunning delivery to dismiss England captain Ben Stokes on Day 3 of the opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley. With India desperate for a breakthrough after a frustrating second day, Siraj’s strike came like a jolt of electricity — and the celebration said it all.
The Hyderabad pacer, known for his high-octane energy, let out a passionate roar and screamed “Come on!” the instant the ball nestled into Rishabh Pant’s gloves. The dismissal of Ben Stokes, England’s most experienced and combative batter, couldn’t have come at a better time. India had set up an attacking field with a silly mid-off in place to shut down the off-drive — a trap that worked to perfection.
ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly Shares His Views On Coaching Team India
Mohammed Siraj, operating from around the wicket, delivered a ball that was angled in but straightened just enough to draw Ben Stokes into playing away from his body. The England skipper attempted to steer it towards point but only succeeded in edging it behind. Pant, alert and agile, pouched the catch cleanly.
Mohammed Siraj with a HUGE BLOW for England. Skipper Stokes returns to the hut.#SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/xI9xmNRWa9
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 22, 2025
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) June 22, 2025
The reaction from Ben Stokes spoke volumes. Frustrated with his timing and shot selection, he flung his bat in the air, caught it mid-air, and pressed it against his chest in exasperation — a rare sight for a player known for composure under pressure. Dismissed for 20 off 52 balls, his innings included three boundaries but lacked the control England needed.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra comments on India letting England off the hook on Day 2 of ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test
This wicket broke a growing partnership with Harry Brook and shifted the game back in India’s favour. Notably, Stokes has now gone 10 consecutive innings without a fifty against India, with recent scores of 6, 47, 11, 41, 15, 3, 4, 0, 2, and 20. Despite his stature, India continues to be his unsolved puzzle.
