WATCH: Shreyas Iyer mimics Ben Stokes’ send-off after crucial run out in Visakhapatnam Test

India produced a dominant display in Visakhapatnam, defeating England by 106 runs in the second Test to level the five-match series 1-1. Needing just nine wickets on the final day, the Indian bowlers wrapped up the remaining English batsmen within two sessions, showcasing their prowess.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who dismantled England with a six-wicket haul in the first innings, continued his brilliance, claiming three more scalps this time. The ever-reliable Ravichandran Ashwin was equally impressive, grabbing three wickets himself and inching closer to a landmark 500 wickets in Test cricket. This commanding victory puts India back in the series contention, setting the stage for an exciting battle in the upcoming matches.

After two toughly contested games, the two cricketing giants will now enjoy a respite before diving headfirst into the third Test, set to unfold on February 15th at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Buoyed by their victory, India will strive to maintain their momentum, while a determined England, led by Ben Stokes, will eye retaliation. This promises to be a thrilling encounter, where both teams will be hungry for dominance.

Iyer returns the favour!

A crucial moment today was the run-out of England’s captain, Ben Stokes. While batting on 11, a moment of hesitation and casual running combined with a brilliant throw from Shreyas Iyer sent him back to the pavilion. Given Stokes’ game-changing potential, this dismissal proved highly significant for India’s victory.

Watch the video here:

What a throw by shreyas Iyer 🤯#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/hR3ecZEzm8

— Virat Kohli Fan Army (@ajeetyadav018) February 5, 2024

Iyer’s subsequent celebration, raising his finger in a mock send-off, sparked some discussion. Stokes had used the same gesture towards the crowd when dismissing Iyer in India’s second innings. Iyer’s response can be seen as a playful return of the favour, acknowledging the earlier interaction without disrespect.

Ultimately, both gestures showcase the competitive spirit and camaraderie that often exist within cricket. The focus remains on the game, with players pushing each other to their limits while acknowledging each other’s skills and sportsmanship. This incident adds another layer to the narrative of the Test match, highlighting the personal battles within the larger cricketing contest.