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Ben Stokes' Relentless Short-Balls Rip Bumrah's Defence As Jadeja Wears Helpless Grin



Ben Stokes breaks Bumrah-Jadeja's partnership [Source: JioHotstar]Ben Stokes breaks Bumrah-Jadeja's partnership [Source: JioHotstar]

In a heartbreaking turn of events for Indian fans, Ben Stokes dismissed Jasprit Bumrah on Day 5 of the Lord’s Test to break a pivotal 35-run partnership. Stokes’ short ball ploy worked beautifully as Bumrah holed out to Sam Cook, and Ravindra Jadeja, batting on 44, watched everything fall apart with a helpless look on his face.

With 193 runs needed to win this exciting third Test at Lord’s, India had a disastrous start on Day 5. In the first hour, they lost Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Washington Sundar, and with just 82 runs on the board, the visitors lost 7 wickets.

Bumrah’s Brainfade Pushes India Closer To Shocking Defeat

Meanwhile, despite India’s back being against the wall, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja knitted a crucial partnership with tailender Jasprit Bumrah for the ninth wicket. The duo accumulated 35 runs together and pushed India closer to the target.

However, a lively English side weren’t giving up either. Skipper Ben Stokes, with an intent to rattle Bumrah, curated a short-ball plan. He bowled a tedious spell and consistently targeted the tailender with short-pitched deliveries.

Bumrah, on his part, was ducking every challenge with gritty defence and looked headstrong. He also rotated the strike to frustrate England. However, Stokes kept his head down and executed his plan without a single drop of self-doubt.

Eventually, Stokes was rewarded for his hardwork. In the 62nd over, the English skipper outsmarted Bumrah with a well-directed short ball. Looking to pull, the batter mistimed the shot badly and found substitute fielder Sam Cook, who made no mistake running back from mid-on.

Fan tweet [Source: @TukTuk_Academy/X.com]Fan tweet [Source: @TukTuk_Academy/X.com]

While Stokes let out a huge roar, Bumrah, who faced 54 balls for his 5 runs and struck one boundary, looked visibly frustrated as he walked back. 

His reckless dismissal left Ravindra Jadeja stranded at the other end. Batting on 44, Jadeja saw the final hope of India’s win fade away as he posed a helpless look on his face.

Meanwhile, England were jubilant. Their short-ball play and pressure tactics (sledging and chirping) lifted them a step closer to victory. India still need 40-odd runs to win with just a single wicket in hand.