In a thrilling moment during the Ashes 2023 opener, England’s skipper Ben Stokes made a significant his bowling. Concerns had arisen regarding Stokes’ bowling ability, stemming from his limited bowling in the previous IPL season due to injury concerns. However, the determined and selfless captain set aside his injury worries and took the ball in hand once again.
Stokes’ decision proved to be a game-changer as he claimed a crucial wicket on Day 2 of the match. The moment arrived when he bowled to Steve Smith, who misjudged the incoming delivery. The ball struck Smith high on the knee roll, resulting in an LBW dismissal. The atmosphere at Edgbaston reached its peak as the crowd erupted with the loudest cheer of the match so far.
Amid doubts surrounding his knee, Stokes demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the Ashes. His delivery was a skillful in-swinger, pitching on a length and deceiving Smith with its movement. The umpire raised his finger, and despite Smith’s review, the Hawk Eye confirmed that the ball would have hit the top of the stumps. The man who had scored twin centuries in the 2019 Ashes opener was sent back to the pavilion for just 16 runs.
