Ben Foakes’ return to England’s Test side after two years out has proved to be an eventful one.
As of lunch on day three of the second Test at Chennai, the gloveman has affected three stumpings in the match – the first time an Englishman has done so at Test level since Alan Knott in 1968.
His work behind the stumps has led to glowing praise from Kiran More, the former India wicketkeeper. “Ben Foakes has been one of the best overseas keepers in Indian conditions,” he said.
Ben Foakes has been one of the best overseas keepers in Indian conditions. His right leg opens up when collecting from a left-arm spinner. Off-spinner bowls and his left leg goes slightly back @englandcricket #cricket #IndvEng (1/2)
— Kiran More (@JockMore) February 15, 2021
When Foakes opens up while keeping his body opens up, that helps him to collect the ball when it is bouncing and jumping. He has a great head and hand position has great balance about him @englandcricket #cricket #IndvEng (2/2)
— Kiran More (@JockMore) February 15, 2021
After stumping Axar Patel in India’s first innings, Foakes added two more on the morning session of day three, his sharp reflexes proving the undoing of Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant.
Watch Foakes’ three stumpings in the match here:
