England's hopes on the opening day of the crucial second Ashes Test suffered a major blow as captain Ben Stokes was sensationally run out following a disastrous mix-up with batting partner Joe Root.
Costly Miscommunication on the Adelaide Oval
The pivotal moment arrived during England's first innings at the day-night Test in Adelaide. Ben Stokes, the England captain, was on 19 runs when he pushed a delivery from Australian bowler Brendan Doggett into the off-side and immediately called for a quick single.
However, at the non-striker's end, Joe Root firmly declined the run. By the time Stokes turned to scramble back into his crease, it was too late. Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis collected the ball and produced a lightning-fast, direct hit, sending the bails flying with Stokes well short of his ground.
Stokes' Frustration and Swift Collapse
The England skipper had no choice but to depart, trudging back to the dressing room with his innings cut short at 19. Before leaving the field, Stokes was seen in a brief but intense conversation with Root, underscoring the frustration of the wasted wicket.
England's troubles compounded shortly afterwards. Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith failed to trouble the scorers for long, clean bowled by the relentless Scott Boland. The quick loss of two key wickets handed the initiative firmly to the Australian side, who seized control of the day's proceedings.
Australia in the Ascendancy After Early Strikes
The dismissal of Stokes on Thursday, 4 December 2025, proved to be a turning point in the day's play. With their captain back in the pavilion and the middle order exposed early, England's batting lineup began to tumble, struggling to build a substantial total against a disciplined Australian attack.
The live score reflected a session of play dominated by the home side, who capitalised fully on the run-out error. The incident served as a stark reminder of the fine margins and intense pressure that define the Ashes rivalry, where a single moment of miscommunication can shift the momentum of an entire Test match.
