Watch: Ben Stokes Gets Huge Reprieve On Birthday As He Is Dismissed Off A No-Ball In England vs New Zealand First Test
It was a massive let-off for Ben Stokes as England were already four wickets down at that point.
Newly-appointed England skipper Ben Stokes got a massive reprieve on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand at Lord's. In the 27th over of England's second innings, Stokes was castled by Colin de Grandhomme off a no-ball. On the fourth delivery of the over, de Grandhomme pitched a short-pitched delivery, but Stokes tried to pull it over the off side. However, the southpaw played it onto his stumps. But the replay showed that de Grandhomme had overstepped as no part of his heel was behind the popping crease.
As a result, the umpire decided to recall Stokes back in the middle, giving him some much-needed luck on his 31st birthday.
"A huge reprieve. Yet more drama in this Test match," the England and Wales Cricket Board captioned the video on Twitter.
A huge reprieve. Yet more drama in this Test match...
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 4, 2022
Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/w7vTpJwrLP
#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/3lIZFxF3aa
It was a massive let-off for Stokes as England were already four wickets down at that point.
At Tea, England were 99 for four with Stokes and his deputy Joe Root batting on 15 and 23, respectively.
Earlier, New Zealand had set the hots a target of 277 after Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell's heroics with the bat.
Mitchell scored his second Test century, while Blundell departed after a finely-crafted 96 as the reigning World Test champions managed to put 285 runs on the board in the second innings.
Initially, New Zealand, after opting to bat, were bowled out for a paltry sum of 132, with debutant Matthew Potts and James Anderson taking four wicket each.
In reply, England could only take a narrow lead of nine runs after New Zealand pacers, led by Tim Southee's four-wicket spell, skittled them out on 141.
England Cricket Team
New Zealand Cricket Team
Ben Stokes
Colin de Grandhomme
Lord's, London