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How Ben Stokes' Masterstroke Could Give England Upper Hand Over India On Day 5

Anurag Dasgupta

How England have the advantage on Day 5 [Source: AP Photo] How England have the advantage on Day 5 [Source: AP Photo]

The India vs England first Test at Headingley has reached the fifth day with the match hanging in the balance. Both sides have a 50-50 chance of winning, making the game a riveting contest as both Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes will be gunning for victory on a gloomy day in Leeds.

England need 350 runs to take the lead in the series and India requires 10 wickets for a famous win at the iconic Headingley, Leeds. The Indian side got bundled out for 364 in their second innings and this gave the hosts a slim chance of pulling off a miracle at this ground.

However, even before the start of the second innings, England captain, Ben Stokes played a masterstroke that could help the hosts beat India in the first Test. The side used the "heavy roller" before their second innings and here's how they have the upper hand on Day 5.

What is the use of heavy roller in Cricket?

In Cricket, the use of a heavy roller is to compact and flatten the surface, primarily during the mid-innings or at the start of the match. The main purpose is to make the pitch flat so that the ball reaches the bat quickly and it also helps in effective stroke-making. 

Also, the use of heavy roller diminishes any seam movement on offer which could be a disadvantage for the Indian bowlers.

How England will get benefit from it?

Under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England plays an aggressive brand of cricket, known as the "Bazball", and it was named after McCullum. In this style of play, England play faster and when playing in home conditions, the home team deploys a flat surface so that the batters can maximize the conditions.

The batting captain had the choice of taking the type of roller and Stokes went with a heavy roller which made the surface flatter hence, it becomes easy for the England batters to play and tackle the Indian bowlers. The bowlers will not get much seam movement and the hosts could take advantage of it.