Ben Stokes’ bowling omission on Day 4 surprised everyone watching the match. The England captain didn’t bowl a single over against India. This was really strange because Stokes usually loves to bowl during crucial moments.
Cricket fans started asking questions about why their captain stayed away. Many people thought something was wrong with Stokes after his brilliant century. Former England player Jonathan Trott tried to explain what might have happened.
The IND vs ENG 4th Test took an unexpected turn without Stokes’ bowling. His absence from the attack made things easier for the Indian batsmen. Everyone knows Stokes as someone who always wants the ball in his hands.
Why Stokes Didn’t Bowl Despite His Big Century
Stokes took 5 wickets in the first inning and scored a fantastic 141 runs off 198 balls the day before. He looked in great form with the bat and seemed perfectly fine. But something must have bothered him enough to skip bowling completely.
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Trott thinks doctors probably told Stokes to rest his body during Day 4. The England captain has dealt with many injuries throughout his cricket career. His hamstring and back have given him trouble before this series.
“I’m not sure Ben Stokes is the kind of character who lets a partnership build without intervening. If it were up to him, I believe he would have grabbed the ball much earlier — just to see how he felt,” Trott said.
“Stokes is a ‘today, right now’ kind of cricketer. So yes, it’s possible he’s being wrapped in cotton wool — maybe on a doctor’s advice. But honestly, if he could bowl, we would have already seen him in action today,” he added.
Stokes actually left the field on Day 3 with some leg discomfort. He came back and batted brilliantly, but maybe the pain got worse overnight. Smart captains listen to their medical team when bodies start hurting.
Medical Team Probably Made the Call
England’s medical staff might have stepped in to protect their star player. The upcoming Ashes tour is way more important than this Test match. Losing Stokes for months would hurt England’s chances against Australia badly.
Trott mentioned how unusual this was for someone like Stokes. The captain normally jumps at every chance to bowl and change games. His fighting spirit usually overrides any physical discomfort he might feel.
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But sometimes even the toughest players need to be smart about their health. Ben Stokes’ bowling omission on Day 4 probably saved him from bigger problems later.
India Made the Most of Stokes’ Absence
Without their captain bowling, England’s attack looked a bit weaker on Day 4. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill took full advantage of this situation. They built a solid partnership that frustrated the English bowlers completely.
The IND vs ENG 4th Test shifted momentum when Stokes stayed off in the bowling. India recovered from early trouble to reach 174 for 2 by stumps. Rahul looked unbeaten on 87 while Gill contributed 78 valuable runs.
These two guys knew England missed their captain’s bowling variations and fighting spirit. They batted sensibly and gave India hope of saving this match.
