ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Tension flares as Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes report Ravindra Jadeja for running on the pitch | Edgbaston Test, Day 2

The drama unfolded early on Day 2 at Edgbaston when Ravindra Jadeja found himself at the center of controversy involving England seamer Chris Woakes and their captain Ben Stokes.

Tensions rise early as Ravindra Jadeja and Chris Woakes clash over running tactics

In just the second over of the morning, Jadeja aborted a quick single after taking a couple of strides down the pitch. While it appeared routine to many, Woakes seemed visibly upset, raising concerns that Jadeja might be doing this repeatedly to create rough patches in the protected area of the pitch. This act could potentially give Indian bowlers an advantage later on. The umpire took note and immediately intervened. In response, Jadeja adjusted his running technique in the next delivery, leaping away from the danger zone while completing a single, demonstrating both respect for the rules and awareness of the match situation.

Despite the early confrontation, Jadeja maintained his composure and let his batting do the talking. Within a few overs, he brought up a well-earned half-century off Woakes’ bowling and celebrated with his trademark sword-wielding gesture, signaling his dominance and confidence. However, the air between him and Woakes remained thick with tension. Their battle was not just with the ball but also psychological, as the England pacer continued to eye Jadeja’s every move closely. Jadeja’s gesture wasn’t just a celebration—it felt like a statement: he was here to fight through not only England’s bowling attack but also the verbal duels and strategic mind games.

Ben Stokes joins the fray as tempers flare once more

Matters escalated further at the end of the 88th over when Woakes once again accused Jadeja of encroaching into the protected area while running. This time, England captain Stokes joined the conversation, confronting Jadeja alongside his teammate. Both players pointed out specific areas of the pitch they believed Jadeja had stepped on deliberately. Stokes, visibly annoyed, engaged in an animated discussion with the Indian all-rounder. Jadeja, however, calmly defended himself, explaining that he was steering clear of the danger zone and had no intention to tamper with the surface.

Before the next ball being bowled, Ravindra Jadeja addressed the controversy that had brewed over his running pattern. Replying to Stokes, he made his position clear, saying, “Why would I do that? My focus is on batting,” His tone was calm but firm, brushing off the accusations of trying to rough up the pitch. It was a subtle reminder of his seniority and professionalism, a seasoned cricketer who values his integrity and role in the team. The comments also provided closure to the day’s drama, allowing the focus to return to cricketing skill rather than heated disputes.

If the England captain wanted to break Jadeja’s rhythm, the ploy failed spectacularly. In the very next over following the confrontation, Jadeja took the attack directly to Stokes, smashing him for two consecutive boundaries. The first was a crisp drive through extra cover, and the second, a deft glance down to fine leg. Both shots not only added crucial runs to India’s total but also served as a symbolic riposte to the verbal battle just moments earlier. The Indian fans in the stands erupted in applause, recognizing the significance of Jadeja’s answer: not with confrontation, but with elegant strokeplay.

Here’s the video:

When runs, the fielders panic and commentators react ’s reaction is pure gold! 👉 2nd TEST, Day 2 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar ➡

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia)

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Moeen Ali predicts the winner of ongoing Edgbaston Test

Jadeja falls just short of a century on Day 2 of Edgbaston Test

After absorbing the heat of controversy and playing a crucial role in steadying the Indian innings, Jadeja looked set for a richly deserved century. However, Josh Tongue, England’s pace sensation, had other ideas. Bowling with aggression and purpose, he delivered a sharp bouncer that caught Jadeja off guard. Trying to nudge it behind square for a single, Jadeja misjudged the bounce. The ball kissed his glove and flew straight into the safe hands of wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. The crowd, fully aware of the quality of Jadeja’s knock, gave him a rousing ovation as he walked off for 89. Though short of a hundred, it was an innings full of purpose, grit, and resistance.

Jadeja’s dismissal ended what had been a monumental 203-run partnership with skipper Shubman Gill, who continued to anchor the innings with poise. Together, the duo had not only rescued India from a potentially tricky position but also tilted the match significantly in the visitors’ favor. Jadeja’s ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed was a perfect foil to Gill’s elegant strokeplay. Their stand was a textbook example of how to build a Test partnership: composed, well-paced, and dominating without being reckless. It pushed India well past the 400-run mark and into a commanding position.

While Jadeja’s departure was a setback, Gill stood tall, continuing his sublime innings with elegance and authority. Resuming on his overnight score of 114, the Indian captain surged past 150, registering his highest score in Test cricket. His knock, filled with cover drives, precise footwork, and superb temperament, ensured that India remained in control. As the first session came to an end, India sat comfortably at 419/6, with Gill unbeaten on 168. His leadership, paired with Jadeja’s fighting spirit, had laid the foundation for what could be a match-defining first-innings performance.

Also WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja brings out sword celebration after dazzling fifty on Day 2 of Edgbaston Test – ENG vs IND