In a high-octane moment that reignited India’s dominance on Day 3 of the first Test at Headingley, fast bowler Mohammad Siraj delivered a blistering spell and claimed the crucial wicket of England’s vice-captain Ben Stokes. The dismissal, which came shortly after lunch, reduced England to five down and left their middle order exposed just when they were starting to build momentum in response to India’s commanding first-innings total.
Ben Stokes, one of England’s most dependable and spirited cricketers, had come to the crease after Ollie Pope’s resilient century was ended by Prasidh Krishna. The onus fell on Stokes to stabilize England’s innings and counter India’s relentless pace attack. For a while, he looked in control — watchful in defence, nimble on his feet, and ready to play the counter-punch when needed. But Siraj had other plans.
Running in with trademark intensity and rhythm, Mohammad Siraj targeted Stokes with a series of aggressive short-pitched deliveries. After setting him up with a barrage that cramped him for room, Siraj unleashed a perfectly directed bouncer that forced Stokes into a hurried fend. The ball kissed the glove and flew toward Rishabh Pant, who made no mistake in completing his second catch of the innings behind the stumps.
As Stokes walked off for 20, disappointment etched across his face, the Indian players erupted in celebration. Siraj pumped his fists, yelling in delight — a reaction that showcased the intensity with which India is approaching this match. It was a moment of fire and precision, the kind that Siraj has become known for in red-ball cricket.
England, who had been staging a mini-recovery through Pope and Stokes, suddenly found themselves reeling again. At 327 for 5, and still trailing by over 140 runs, the hosts were under pressure to avoid a collapse. The dismissal not only stalled their momentum but also signaled that India’s pace battery was in no mood to let up.
Siraj, who had been relatively quiet in the first session, seemed to find a second wind after lunch. His ability to generate awkward bounce from even length deliveries made life uncomfortable for all batters, and his aggressive body language gave India an added edge. With Jasprit Bumrah operating in tandem and Shubman Gill providing sharp captaincy support, India continued to dictate the terms.
Rishabh Pant’s role behind the stumps also deserves credit. Fresh off a century and full of energy, Pant was sharp, vocal, and supportive of his bowlers throughout the innings. His catch to dismiss Stokes was executed with confidence, a sign of how much his wicketkeeping has matured in recent years.
Stokes’ dismissal will likely be viewed as a turning point. With England’s most experienced campaigner back in the pavilion, the lower order was left to absorb the pressure and survive the increasingly hostile Indian bowling. The Headingley surface still had pace and bounce, and India were determined to exploit every bit of it.
As the match heads into its final phases, India’s grip has tightened. Siraj’s fiery spell and the crucial wicket of Stokes could very well shape the outcome of this opening Test, laying the groundwork for a memorable overseas triumph.
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