Umpire Umar Dharmasena showcased his wit amidst the backdrop of mixed emotions from Ben Stokes during Day 2 of the fourth Test between India and England in Ranchi. Stokes, while expressing delight over spinner Shoaib Bashir’s performance, found himself engaged in a spat regarding the activation of floodlights. Earlier in the match, the all-rounder had voiced dissatisfaction with the third umpire’s decision to overturn Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, reflecting the tension on the field.
As Tea approached and the skies darkened, the floodlights illuminated the stadium, sparking Stokes’ frustration. However, Dharmasena’s composed response to Stokes’ charged reaction highlighted a day filled with contrasting emotions and on-field drama, intensifying the gripping contest in Ranchi.
Adding a playful touch to the narrative, Dharmasena shared a snapshot of Stokes’ dismissal on Day 3 on his Facebook page, accompanied by a Bhojpuri melody, which quickly went viral, amusing internet users with its quirky charm.
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Stokes’ emotional rollercoaster mirrored England’s resilience as they concluded Day 2 in a promising position. With the series at 2-1, this match holds critical importance for England, who are seeking a decisive showdown in Dharamsala. The high-stakes scenario underscores the significance of their tour and the fervour surrounding the cricketing battle.
Kumar Dharmasena Facebook Story 😂🤣🤦♂️#CricketTwitter #INDvsENG #INDvsENGTest #BenStokes #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/SzCCBJCLZG
— Nikhil (@imnikhil197) February 25, 2024
At stumps in Ranchi, India stood at 40 without loss, chasing a target of 192 to clinch victory over England and secure a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Indian bowlers dominated proceedings, restricting England to a meager 145 in the third innings.
Ravichandr an Ashwin’s stellar five-wicket haul, supported by Kuldeep Yadav’s four wickets, dismantled England’s batting lineup, with Zak Crawley’s resilient 60-run innings being a lone highlight. Yet, it was Dhruv Jurel’s composed innings in the morning session that prevented England from building a substantial first-innings lead.
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The Indian spin trio spun a web around the English batsmen, dismissing them in a session-and-a-half. England’s tactics came under scrutiny, with questions raised about their open fields and loose deliveries, as they set India a modest target. As Day 4 looms, India holds the reins, but England’s resilience adds an element of unpredictability, highlighting the captivating essence of cricket.
