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[Watch] Ben Foakes Kills Spirit Of The Game After Jasprit Bumrah's Stumping Chance

image-lryljumwIndia lost the first Test by 28 runs (AP)

On the fourth day of the first Test in the five-match series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, England's wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes triggered a discussion about the spirit of the game with his attempt to stump India's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah.

As England was on the verge of securing victory in the Hyderabad Test on Day 4, with India chasing a target of 231, Bumrah faced spinner Tom Hartley during the 66th over. Bumrah attempted a pull shot, and after missing it, the tail-ender, despite being comfortably inside the crease, inexplicably jumped in frustration. 

Seizing the moment, Foakes cleanly collected the ball and, seemingly anticipating Bumrah's movements, waited before taking the bails off, followed by an appeal for stumping. However, aby the time Foakes disturbed the bails, Bumrah had returned to the ground.

The unsuccessful stumping attempt by Foakes brought back memories of the "spirit of cricket" debate during the 2023 Ashes when Alex Carey successfully stumped Jonny Bairstow, who had wandered out of his crease believing the ball was dead. 

Bairstow's dismissal, although within the laws of the game, triggered a heated debate on the spirit of cricket. Notably, English skipper Ben Stokes condemned Carey's act, leading to extensive media coverage and scrutiny.

In the midst of discussions surrounding the spirit of the game and adherence to cricket laws, it is essential to uphold the rules in the strictest sense possible. 

The incident didn't alter the course of the game, as Bumrah later fell victim to the combined efforts of Hartley and Foakes, sealing the match with the stumping of Mohammed Siraj.

England emerged victorious in the Test, claiming a 28-run win and taking an early 1-0 lead in the series. While Ollie Pope's century played a crucial role in commanding the game, Tom Hartley's seven-wicket haul significantly contributed to bundling out the hosts.