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.
![Kumar Dharamsena](https://cricshots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/umpire-kumar-dharasena-india.jpg)
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.