Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian cricketer, revealed an interesting anecdote in which his father predicted Mohammed Siraj will complete the match with three sixes. The third Test between England and India at Lord’s was a gripping contest, with both teams scoring 387 in their first innings.
England were bowled out for 192 in the second innings, leaving India with a manageable target. Despite a tremendous comeback led by Ravindra Jadeja and the lower-order hitters, India fell short by 22 runs. Ben Stokes, England’s captain, played an important role in the hosts’ tight triumph, bowling a long spell.
“Ben Stokes delivered an incredible spell. I was discussing this with my father. He was confident that Siraj would conclude by hitting three sixes. I asked him to cut down on the jokes. Looking at Ben Stokes, he began talking about a bowler from his league games who used to bowl from both ends,
” Ashwin stated on his YouTube account.
“He bowled at 132-140 kph for both 9.2 and 10 overs. At one end, you had Jadeja standing like a fortress, sewing India’s resistance, and at the other, you had Stokes doing the same for England,” he explained.
Stokes scored only 77 runs in both innings, but it was his bowling that really shone out. The right-arm bowler took five wickets in the contest, including two important periods of 9.2 and 10 overs that helped keep India under continual pressure.
The veteran off-spinner also hailed Joe Root and Zak Crawley for their sportsmanship as they consoled Siraj following his unlucky dismissal. Siraj, who faced 30 balls, was removed in an unfortunate manner when a delivery he defended off the front foot struck the rough and rolled back onto the stumps.
“Oh, what a war. It was an incredible Test match. It was a battle of equals. Both sides were pushing each other to their limits, and it ended at this point. Look at how Crawley and Root are comforting Siraj with their arms around him. The brilliance of this Test match was that each player was at odds with one another. “It was theatrical,” Ashwin explained.
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