Ben Stokes’ key moments in third Test
The all-rounder’s return was under the microscope at Trent Bridge
Ben Stokes’ return to Test cricket has come in the same week he was cleared of affray at Bristol Crown Court.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at his key moments in the third Test against India at Trent Bridge.
1101 – First touch of the ball, fielding the third delivery of the day at point off James Anderson. Throw comes in on an untidy half-volley, but no fuss from Jonny Bairstow as he gathers Stokes’ slightly wayward initial contribution.
1137 – Joe Root gets his premier all-rounder into the attack early, as first change for Broad at the pavilion end. The crowd reception is minimal, and Stokes begins with a tame long-hop to Rahul, pulled for a single. His second delivery is even shorter to Shikhar Dhawan and is dispatched past cover for four in the blink of an eye. The opening over costs seven runs.
1150 – Body contact as he tries to stop a sharp single off his own bowling – but as Dhawan makes his ground comfortably, Stokes’ polite late sidestep ensures no full-on barging match.
1208 – Straight after drinks, Dhawan edges Stokes’ second delivery just short of Keaton Jennings at third slip. It is the closest England have come to a breakthrough – but two balls later, the left-hander rasps another short one past cover for four.
1243 – After two quick wickets from Chris Woakes at the other end, Root decides Stokes’ work is done for the morning – replacing him with Broad following a spell of 7-0-29-0.
