A moment of concern struck England on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, as Ben Stokes retired hurt after battling through clear signs of discomfort. The English captain, who was on 66 off 116 balls, decided he had enough and slowly walked off the field, limping slightly as he made his way up the dressing room stairs.
Just an over earlier, Stokes had called for fluids in an attempt to shake off what looked like severe cramps. The signs were evident as Stokes was stretching, grimacing, and seeking medical assistance. However, the discomfort only worsened, prompting him to finally leave the field in the middle of a hard-fought innings.
While initial signs suggest it could be a case of cramp, England will be hoping there's nothing more serious at play. With the series still in the balance, the team can ill afford to lose their talismanic skipper at a crucial juncture. All eyes will now be on the dressing room and any updates from the England camp regarding his condition.
IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Bizarre Scenes As Joe Root Accidentally Dislodges Mohammed Siraj's Fitness Band During Mid-Pitch Collision; Video
Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford witnessed a strange and unexpected moment involving Joe Root and Mohammed Siraj. During the 52nd over of England’s first innings, Root charged down the pitch to play a delivery that stayed low and struck him on the pads. The ball deflected towards fine leg, resulting in four leg byes.
India reviewed the on-field decision hoping for an LBW dismissal, but replays showed the ball had pitched outside leg stump and would have missed the stumps entirely. The not out decision stood, and India lost a crucial review, leaving them with just one remaining.
As the sequence unfolded, Joe Root, in his effort to take a run, collided slightly with Mohammed Siraj, unintentionally knocking off the pacer’s fitness band. While the incident had no bearing on the play itself, it caught the attention of both players and fans for its unusual nature.
Though light-hearted, the moment added to the drama of a closely contested Test match, with tensions already high after Siraj’s earlier exchanges with English batters.
