England captain Ben Stokes could adopt a new form of bowling during the fourth innings of the 5th Ashes Test at the Kia Oval as he was spotted bowling off-spin before day 3. The all-rounder might have to step up in the 4th innings, with England likely losing Moeen Ali for the remaining part of the game.
Moeen suffered a groin injury on day 1 while batting during the 111-run partnership with Harry Brook. The veteran all-rounder called for a physio and looked in visible discomfort. As a result, he didn't field for the entire day 2 and sat in the dressing room watching Australia's innings unfold.
It's worth noting that Ben Stokes has never bowled off-spin at the international level and has taken 197 Test wickets with his medium pace. The 32-year-old hasn't bowled much in the ongoing Ashes series due to his knee troubles that resurfaced during the tour of New Zealand earlier this year.
Ben Stokes and co. concede a slender 12-run lead on day 2 at the Kia Oval:
Meanwhile, England failed to take a sizeable lead on day 2 of the final Ashes Test despite scything through Australia's middle-order. Despite succumbing to 170-7 at one stage, Australia took a 12-run lead, thanks to the 50-run partnership between captain Pat Cummins and his deputy Steve Smith.
Todd Murphy's 34 runs, including 3 sixes, also proved to be a handful as he added 49 alongside Cummins to help Australia push past England's 283. Joe Root claimed the final wicket of Cummins as Stokes a spectacular catch on the fence.
