Ben Foakes Impresses With His Wicket-Keeping Skills At 'Tricky' Chennai Pitch

England's Ben Foakes has demonstrated some great wicket-keeping skills during the 2nd test against India at a 'tricky' Chennai pitch. 

From day 1, when the cries of 'poor pitch', 'unplayable pitch' echoed around the cricketing world, Ben Foakes showcased that surface is not so bad as it seems to some. 

In first innings, England and Ben Foakes did not concede any runs from byes where the pitch was turning. To keep things in context, India batted more than 96 overs. 

On day 2, when England batsmen were struggling to bat, Ben Foakes remained unbeaten at 42 while facing 107 balls. It seemed Foakes got the advantage of keeping throughout the day. 

On day 3, Ben Foakes gave another sample of how well he has read the pitch. His keeping skills were seen when he stumped Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant out in the first session. 

 

The Rohit Sharma ball turned and bounced which completely deceived the batsman. Foakes caught the ball and was quick enough to remove the bails. It was a marginal call in the favor of England. The Rishabh Pant dismissal was one of the best. Pant came down the track against Jack Leach but the turning ball went through between the bat and body. Foakes not only collected the ball cleanly at a blind spot, he stumped Pant out. 

NSFW highlights of Ben Foakes's glovework this morning (via @introvert_49) pic.twitter.com/zbO48rek8P #IndvEng

— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) February 15, 2021

Former Indian wicket-keeper Kiran More explained why Ben Foakes is one of the best overseas keepers to travel to India. 

When Foakes opens up while keeping his body opens up, that helps him to collect the ball when it is bouncing and jumping. He has a great head and hand position has great balance about him @englandcricket #cricket #IndvEng (2/2)

— Kiran More (@JockMore) February 15, 2021