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'The Dedication...,’ Kevin Pietersen Awestruck by Ben Stokes’ Brilliance On The Field vs IND

image-ls7fbb40Ben Stokes taking Catch (X.com)

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen heaped praise on Test skipper Ben Stokes for pulling off a sensational catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer in the ongoing day 3 of the second Test between India and England at Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, January 4.

Iyer was on 29 when he lofted Tom Hartley's delivery in the 28th over of India's second innings, which ultimately led to his downfall. Despite losing both openers, skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, in the first session, the hosts were in a commanding position with Shubman Gill and Iyer at the crease.

On the first ball of the 28th over,  Iyer advanced down the track in an attempt to clear the field, but the ball struck the toe of the bat. The ball headed towards mid-off, where Ben Stokes positioned himself and executed an incredible effort to complete the catch. After initially losing sight of the ball, Stokes had to sprint towards the long-off boundary to secure the remarkable catch. The English captain was visibly animated after completing the catch.

In just his second game after surgery and rehabilitation, Stokes covered significant ground to make the catch, creating a magical moment in the field and providing a crucial breakthrough for his team.

The England captain's extraordinary effort garnered praise from former cricketers and fans, labeling it as a moment of magic in the Test match.

Reflecting on the brilliant catch taken by Stokes, Pietersen said that the loss in weight and a strict diet plan have made Stokes even more agile.

“Stokes lost 10 kgs before coming to India. After his knee injury he sat at home in England. The dedication that he has shown to be so strict on his diet is quite something,"  Kevin Pietersen said during the discussion with the broadcasters.

Be it the leadership or as a batter or as a fielder, Stokes has been absolutely sensational in the series so far. He has scored runs, made field changes that have reaped rewards for his team, and on the field, he's been a live wire.

In the first Test in Hyderabad as well, Stokes pulled off an incredible run-out of Ravindra Jadeja in the fourth innings. At that time also, he was fielding at the mid-off position.

Although Stokes may not be able to contribute with the ball in the series, he's making sure he gives it his all in the field.