Stokes, Smith hold firm

Sun, 06 July 2025
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Eng 110-5 (32 Ovs) & 407 vs India 587 & 427 decl | Scorecard

Mohammed Siraj replaces Prasidh Krishna and comes over the wicket to Ben Stokes - the same batter he dismissed for a golden duck in the first innings, the first in Stokes' Test career. Can he repeat the feat? Stokes is watchful, starting with a front-foot block, then leaving one outside off. Siraj switches to around the wicket. Stokes advances down the pitch and pushes to point but finds no gap. Another solid block follows, and he shoulders arms once more. 

It's a disciplined start - a maiden to begin Siraj's new spell. After 29 overs, England remain 110 for 5.

The ball is now tossed to Ravindra Jadeja, replacing Akash Deep. He comes on with a slip and a silly point in place. Smith is solid on the front foot first up, then rocks back and slaps one to deep cover for a single. Stokes sees out the rest of the over with calm defence. After 30 overs, England are 111 for 5. 

Siraj continues. Smith backs away just as Siraj runs in, forcing the bowler to pull out of his delivery stride and reload. On resumption, Smith whips one straight to short midwicket. Then, off the inside half of the bat, he tucks one behind square for a single. Stokes drives to cover but finds the fielder, then blocks the next back to Siraj. Finally, Stokes frees his arms and slams a much-needed boundary through the off side. Nine runs off the over - after 31 overs, England are 120 for 5. 

Jadeja continues. Smith goes back and punches to midwicket but can't pierce the field. He then places one squarer to pick up a couple. A block follows, then a quick single. Stokes defends the final two balls. 

Three runs come off the over - after 32 overs, England are 123 for 5. They still need 485 runs for an improbable victory.