Ben Stokes’ 3 most hilarious dismissals in Test Cricket ft. 3rd PAK vs ENG Test 2024
England’s red-ball captain Ben Stokes is celebrated as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation. However, his return to action following a hamstring injury didn't go as expected, as the left-hander scored just 53 runs across four innings in the series against Pakistan.
However, Stokes has often stepped up in crucial moments, winning matches single-handedly for his team. Over his career, the 33-year-old has played 107 Tests for England, accumulating 6,561 runs at an average of 35.27, with 34 fifties and 13 centuries to his credit.
In addition to his batting achievements, Stokes has taken 203 wickets, including four five-wicket hauls. While he’s known for his remarkable shots, there have been instances where he misjudged deliveries, leading to some amusing dismissals. On that note, let’s look at Ben Stokes’ three most hilarious dismissals in Test cricket.
#1 Against India in 2024, Hyderabad
England faced India in the first Test of the five-match series in Hyderabad in 2024. On the third ball of the 65th over, Jasprit Bumrah produced a stunning delivery to dismiss Stokes. Bowling with great pace, Bumrah got the ball to move late.
Stokes stepped down the wicket to create some room but was deceived by the late swing, resulting in the ball crashing into the top of the middle stumps.
Here’s a video of the dismissal:
In the end, it was the visitors who claimed victory. India, chasing a target of 231, fell short by 28 runs. Nevertheless, the hosts made a strong comeback and ultimately won the series 4-1.
#2 Against Pakistan in 2024, Multan
Ben Stokes had a rather amusing dismissal in the second match of the three-game Test series against Pakistan in 2024. Chasing a target of 297, England found themselves struggling at 121 for six after 27 overs. Stokes began the 28th over bowled by Noman Ali with a boundary.
The southpaw attempted to hit the second ball out of the park but got stumped. Coming down the pitch to slog it over mid-wicket, he was beaten by a flighted delivery, causing his bat to slip through his hands in the process. Mohammad Rizwan completed an easy stumping, sending Stokes back to the pavilion for 37 runs.
Here’s a video of the dismissal:
England ended up losing the match by 152 runs.
#3 Against Pakistan in 2024, Rawalpindi
In the third match of the series against Pakistan, Ben Stokes faced another bizarre dismissal. England scored 267 runs in their first innings while Pakistan responded with 344, taking a 77-run lead.
In the second innings, England found themselves in trouble at 68 for four after 21 overs. On the second ball of the 22nd over bowled by Noman Ali, Stokes made a surprising decision to leave the straight ball and was given out LBW.
Noman delivered a flighted ball, and as the left-hander shuffled across and shouldered arms, it hit him squarely in front of the middle stump.
Here’s a video of the dismissal:
Stokes made three runs as England were bowled out for just 112, setting a target of only 36 runs. It proved to be an easy chase for Pakistan, who secured the victory by nine wickets.