“Imagine a young batter responding to hostile bowling like he did”: Akash Chopra questions Ben Stokes’ approach against Shami

In the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami delivered an exceptional over that has left the cricketing world in awe. Ben Stokes found himself at a loss against Shami’s fiery pace bowling, ultimately getting clean-bowled after failing to score any runs.

Former cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra lauded Shami’s remarkable over, hailing it as the best of the tournament. In this crucial moment, Ben Stokes tried multiple strategies to combat Shami’s relentless attack. He attempted to charge down the wicket, played cut shots, and executed drives, but Shami’s accuracy and pace proved too much for the seasoned batsman.

In a desperate move, Stokes gave himself room to slash the ball, but he completely missed it, and the sound of timber echoed as his stumps were shattered. This dismissal marked a frustrating 10-ball duck for the English cricketer.

Aakash Chopra expressed his admiration for Shami’s exceptional performance. He described Shami’s over as consistent, penetrative, and filled with probing questions for a top-quality batter like Stokes. Chopra also questioned Stokes’ decision to walk away from the fight against such hostile bowling, emphasizing that it was a moment where a young batter should have risen to the occasion.

Akash Chopra said

Shami’s over to Ben Stokes was the best over of this #CWC23. Shami was consistent. Penetrative. Asked probing questions of a top quality batter. Unfortunately, the batter chose to walk away from the fight. The shot Stokes played following the series of play and misses when England was already reduced to 33/2 didn’t add up. Imagine a young batter responding to hostile bowling like he did…

Shami’s exceptional bowling performance wasn’t limited to just this over. He went on to take a total of four wickets, contributing significantly to England‘s downfall as they were bowled out for a mere 129 while chasing a target of 230 set by India.

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