England captain Ben Stokes held the fort while wickets fell at the other end on Day 1 of the first Test at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. But Stokes was left dumbfounded when he decided to take on India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. He was almost impressed with the way Bumrah set him up and acknowledged the reverse-swinging delivery that beat his bat and hit the middle stump.
In the 65th over of England's first innings, Stokes managed to hit a boundary via an outside edge as he was beaten by the off-cutter. Stokes hit the next ball square of the wicket but did not find the gap. On the third delivery, he tried to make room for himself. He tried to work it towards the on side but the reverse swinging delivery moved away from the bat and hit the middle stump. After getting bowled, Stokes smiled at Bumrah and shook his head.
Batting at no.6, Stokes scored 70 runs from 88 balls including six fours and three sixes. He shared crucial partnerships with Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, and Mark Wood to help the visitors post 246 on the board after he won the toss and opted to bat first in the series opener.
Apart from Stokes, Bumrah also got the wicket of England's spin all-rounder Ahmed who scored 13 runs from 18 balls. While Mohammed Siraj remained wicketless, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets each whereas Axar Patel bagged two scalps.
“It's typical conditions in India, you are not quite sure what you are going to get. We will try to post a big score on the board. The preparation has been really good. We know the challenge that India presents, not only to us but every team that comes here. They are an incredibly successful side,” Stokes said at the coin toss.
“We have got Hartley making his debut, Rehan is playing his second Test, but they have got a great leader in Jack Leach to lead them. I have got full confidence in everyone. We picked a XI that we thought is going to give us the best chance of winning. Woody is that X-factor bowler,” he added.
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