“Ben Stokes never understood publicity around The Captain”: Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif faulted England captain Ben Stokes for his decisions in ENG vs IND 2nd Test. Thanks to Shubman Gill, India now find themselves on the brink of making history at Edgbaston. England require 536 runs on the final day to steal a win while India need just 7 more wickets to seal a famous victory.

Kaif questions Stokes’ hidden leadership masterstroke

Taking to social media platform X, Kaif questioned Stokes’ decision to bowl first at Edgbaston, noting that it made no sense when there was a flat track and the sun was shining down. He then pointed out another tactical blunder made by the England captain by not having an extra slip in place. With Stokes not scoring much with the bat as well, Kaif wondered if there he had missed any of Stokes’ hidden leadership masterstroke.

England managed to steal a win at Leeds, thanks to their batters. However, that might not be the case at Edgbaston as the Indian batters have put the team firmly in the driver’s seat. Should India win the 2nd Test, it will be for the first time that they have tasted victory at the iconic venue.

ENG vs IND 2nd Test

Needing 608 runs to win, England closed Day 4 at 72/3 with 536 runs away. Harry Brook (15) and Ollie Pope (24) were on the crease after Akash Deep (2/36) and Mohd Siraj (1/29) dismissed Zak Crawley (0), Ben Duckett (25) and Joe Root (6). India declared the 2nd innings at 427/6 with a 607-run lead.

Shubman Gill was the hero again with 161-run knock. Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten 69 while Rishabh Pant smashed 65 off 58 balls after KL Rahul scored 55. KL Rahul and Karun Nair resumed India’s 2nd innings at 64/1 after posting 587 in the 1st innings.