England captain Ben Stokes is poised to return to bowling in the upcoming Test against India, having bowled a five-over spell of bouncers on the third day of the third Test. Stokes, who has been managing a long-standing knee issue, produced two key moments that helped England level the scores on first innings.
Stokes ran out Rishabh Pant with a direct hit from cover, breaking a threatening partnership, and later dismissed Nitish Kumar Reddy with a lifting delivery after tea. His spell of seven overs included a bouncer that struck Reddy on the helmet, prompting bowling coach Tim Southee to intervene.
England bowled India out for 387 in 119.2 overs, with the scores tied on first innings. Shoaib Bashir also played a key role, dismissing KL Rahul for 100 with a dipping delivery. However, India's tail collapsed, losing four wickets for 11 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah's aggressive mood at the close suggested a tough battle ahead for England's batsmen. Only one over was possible before stumps, with Zak Crawley involved in a heated exchange after time-wasting.
India's innings was built around Rahul's tenth Test century and Ravindra Jadeja's 72, but the tourists will regret Pant's run-out and the late collapse. Jofra Archer impressed with pace, bowling at an average of 90.3mph in a four-over spell.
