Test cricket fans are buzzing after Ben Stokes made a daring call late on Day 4 of the 2nd Test, declaring England’s second innings and setting India a challenging target on a pitch showing increasing signs of wear and tear. The bold move by the England skipper has set up a thrilling final day, with all three results still possible — but has Stokes overplayed his hand or masterminded a chance for victory?
The drama unfolded in the final session when England, holding a lead of 283 runs with two wickets in hand, surprised everyone by declaring just before stumps. Many expected England to bat longer and push the target beyond 320, but Stokes had other ideas. In a decision reflecting his aggressive “Bazball” philosophy, he opted to back his bowlers to exploit the crumbling surface and put India’s batting lineup under maximum pressure on Day 5.
Fans were immediately split on social media, with some hailing the declaration as a stroke of genius and others questioning the risk of giving India nearly a full day to chase the target. Hashtags like #StokesDeclaration and #Bazball were trending within minutes as debates raged over whether the call was brave or reckless.
Experts, too, were divided. Michael Atherton praised the decision as “classic Stokes — fearless and willing to risk defeat for a chance to win,” while Sunil Gavaskar warned that India’s batters, if they survive the first hour, have the class to chase down the target on a wearing pitch. Former India coach Ravi Shastri added that Stokes’ decision “keeps the match alive and gives fans the grandstand finish they crave.”
England’s bowlers will need to strike early on Day 5 to justify the declaration, as India’s experienced top order featuring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is more than capable of mounting a historic chase. Meanwhile, the pitch has started offering variable bounce and some sharp turn — conditions that could either make England’s bowlers heroes or hand India an unforgettable win.
With the series delicately poised, Stokes’ bold gamble has set the stage for a final day of high drama. Will England’s attacking approach pay off, or will India seize the opportunity and script a famous run chase?
One thing is certain: the 2nd Test is perfectly set up for a finish that could enter the annals of cricketing history!