‘Definitely Out’ – Cricket experts baffled with Ben Stokes surviving a close run-out call in the second India ODI

Ben Stokes, the England left-handed batsman, survived a close run-out call during the second ODI against India at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The southpaw was in his 30s with the Brits still needing to score at almost seven runs an over with almost half of their innings remaining. In the 26th over of England’s run-chase, Stokes could easily have lost his wicket due to a bit of complacency.

He jabbed the ball through mid-on and set off for a couple, but while completing the second run, he slowed down a bit. Kuldeep Yadav threw the stumps down at the striker’s end and the third umpire had to step in. After a hard look from various angles, the TV umpire, Anil Chaudary, didn’t find conclusive evidence and therefore he ruled the decision in Stokes’ favour.

In the meantime, the cricket experts from around the world reckoned that Stokes’ bat was on the line when the stumps were disturbed and he should have been given out.

Ben Stokes scores big

Stokes went on to score 99 runs off 52 balls with four fours and 10 sixes before getting out to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Jos Buttler, the England skipper, termed Stokes’ knock ‘thrilling’. Buttler also lauded Jonny Bairstow for the latter’s 112-ball 124.

“Delighted for Jonny to go on and reach the three-figures today and it was a top knock. That partnership with Ben Stokes was thrilling to watch,” Butter was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation ceremony.

“As a fellow player and as a fan to watch the fashion that they played, some of the strokes they took and the commitment to play in that way … especially after the last game and some people talked about our way and we need to be started,” he added.

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, also had words of praise for Bairstow and Stokes after India’s six-wicket defeat.

“We did falter a bit at times but mostly, that was some of the best hitting that you’ll ever see. We never had a chance during their partnership (Stokes-Bairstow), that’s how good they were. Don’t think dew was much of a factor,” Kohli said after the game.