R Ashwin's mastery over Ben Stokes was on full display during the third day’s play in the Hyderabad Test as the Indian off-spinner dismissed the England skipper for the 12th time in the longest format of the game.
After conceding a first-innings lead of 190 runs, the visitors were struggling at 140/4 in their second essay when Stokes arrived at the crease.
With the situation demanding to stay at the wicket, Stokes was cautious in his approach but Ashwin produced a magical delivery to go through his defence.
In the fifth ball of the 37th over, Ashwin drew Stokes with an off and middle stump line and delivered the fuller ball. The England captain went for a forward defence but was beaten by the delivery that turned a bit and dislodged the off-stump.
Ashwin’s brilliance saw Stokes, England’s top-scorer in the first innings with 70, walking back to the pavilion after scoring 6 off 33 balls.
Here’s the video:
Coming to the match, India’s first innings folded for 436 on Day 3, extending the lead to 190 runs. Ravindra Jadeja was the top-scorer with 87 while the likes of KL Rahul (86), Yashasvi Jaiswal (80) Akshar Patel (44) and KS Bharat (41) made significant contributions with the bat.
In their second innings, the tourists were 219/5 after 55 overs at the time of writing this article, with Ollie Pope (87*) and Ben Foakes (19*) unbeaten in the middle.