Watch: Ben Stokes sprinted back 22 meters to take a brilliant diving catch over his shoulder on day three of the second India vs England Test in Vizag today (February 4).
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England captain Stokes pulled off another moment of magic in the field on the third morning of the Vizag Test. India started the day at 28-0, but lost their openers early courtesy of a probing spell by James Anderson.
Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill then stitched a solid partnership for the third wicket, adding 81 runs before Stokes’ brilliance brought an end to it. Batting on 29, Iyer looked to take the attack to Tom Hartley as he stepped out and went over the top.
Much like Zak Crawley’s dismissal in the first innings against Axar Patel, Iyer looked to go over long on, but the turn meant the ball took the outside half of his bat.
Stokes, who was standing at mid-off, sprinted back 22 metres, dived full length and got both hands on it to complete a spectacular catch, making it look easier than it was.
Alastair Cook, who was on air during the dismissal, mentioned just how difficult it is to take a catch running backwards. “A catch over your shoulder running back is the hardest in the game,” said Cook on the TNT Sports coverage in the UK, appreciating Stokes’ effort.
Three overs later, India lost their fourth wicket as well, with the score reading 122-4 after 31 overs.
