Shreyas Iyer pulled out a sensational moment of redemption on the field on Day 4 in an exciting showdown between India and England during the second Test in Vizag. The Indian batter, who fell victim to England captain Ben Stokes’ catch in the first innings, turned the tables by executing a brilliant run-out, leaving Stokes narrowly short of his crease.
The pivotal moment unfolded in the 53rd over of England’s second innings, with the visitors chasing an imposing 399-run target. Stokes, the linchpin of England’s batting lineup, aimed to engineer a comeback, but his complacency in running between the wickets proved costly. Iyer, stationed at mid-wicket, seized the opportunity with lightning reflexes, hurling the ball directly at the stumps to catch Stokes off guard.
Shreyas Iyer has his revenge on Ben Stokes with a moment of brilliance in fielding. England are 7 down now.#INDvsENGTest #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/QYVt4qcTdB
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) February 5, 2024
Stokes’ dismissal marked a significant setback for England’s aspirations, especially considering his track record of turning the game around in crucial situations. Stokes had been a beacon of hope for England’s resurgence but Iyer’s moment of brilliance killed England’s hopes of an early 2-0 lead into the 5-match series.
The narrative of redemption and retaliation continued to unfold throughout the match, with Stokes and Iyer engaging in a symbolic exchange of gestures. After snaring Iyer’s wicket earlier in the game, Stokes taunted the Vizag crowd, only to be reciprocated by Iyer’s retaliatory gesture following Stokes’ dismissal in the fourth innings.
First Ravi Ashwin's celebrations after Jonny Bairstow's out.
Now Shreyas Iyer's celebrations after Ben Stokes run-out.
– This Test series is heating up now..!!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fMcNN28Rtw
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 5, 2024
However, with Stokes walking back to the pavilion, it was a matter of time before Indian bowlers wrapped up the game in their favor. In the end, India won the match by 106 runs, thanks to Shubhman Gill‘s ton and Bumrah‘s nine-wicket haul. The win for India meant that the 5-match series stands at a 1-1 draw with three games left to be played.
Despite winning the second match, India would be looking to plug the gaps in their playing X1 ahead of the third match at Rajkot. Virat Kohli is also expected to join the team for the Rajkot test. However, nothing official has come out on KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja’s injury.
