Nitin Menon: Nitin Menon and Ben Stokes are trending on Twitter due to their terrific acts on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval. Menon took his time and observed from all angles before ruling the decision in favor of Steve Smith. The Aussie desperate to come back for a second run put on a full-fledged dive and just about made the crease by the barest of margins.
While England players thought they had their man, Menon made a correct decision in the end, which was lauded by the netizens. Speaking about Stokes, he yet again took a blinder of a catch near the boundary rope and reminded everyone of the one-hand stunner he took to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo during the 2019 World Cup. This time Stokes took a juggling catch to dismiss his Australia counterpart.
Initially, the southpaw thought he held the catch, however, he thought he could go over the line with the ball in hand due to momentum. The all-rounder showed presence of mind and threw the ball before completing the catch in the end.
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Nitin Menon: Menon’s terrific decision, Ben Stokes stunning catch turns fifth Ashes in England’s favor
Speaking about the second day of the Ashes Test, England are in a commanding position after bundling the visitors out for just 295. Apart from Smith’s valiant effort with bat in hand, the other Aussie batters struggled on a sluggish Oval pitch. While Australia have got a slender lead of 12 runs, England will fancy themselves taking a huge lead on day three.
Ben Stokes & Co’s aggressive style of play will be in focus yet again. It would be interesting to see if Bazball comes all guns blazing or play with a measured approach. Pat Cummins & Co are leading the Ashes 2-1 and need just a draw to win Ashes in England after 23 years. Meanwhile, England would be aiming for a win to draw the series 2-2.
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