Watch: England Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes Nearly Triggers Controversy With Failed Attempt at Alex Carey-like Stumping

With England a wicket away from beating India in the Hyderabad Test on Day 4, their wicketkeeper Ben Foakes’ unsuccessful at stumping Jasprit Bumrah nearly brought back the ghosts of last year’s Ashes’ ‘spirit of cricket’ debate.

During the 66th over of India innings as they were chasing 231, Bumrah went for a pull shot against spinner Tom Hartley. Bizarrely, after missing the shot, the tail-ender, despite being well inside the crease, jumped once before shadow practicing the shot instantly.

Also Read: India Legend Labels Rohit Sharma’s Men ‘Pretty Ordinary’

Foakes had collected the ball cleanly and he waited, almost as if he knew Bumrah’s next step, and he took the bails off followed by an appeal for stumping.

However, by the time Foakes had disturbed the bails, Bumrah was back on the ground.

Soon afterwards, users on social media were quick to share screengrab of the failed attempt reminding England of their ‘meltdown’ over a similar incident during the Ashes series in 2023 when Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey successfully stumped Jonny Bairstow, an act that triggered a massive ‘spirit of cricket’ debate with their England captain Ben Stokes claiming, “Would I want to win a game in that manner? The answer is no.”

That event resulted in Australian players being booed by the crowd at the Lord’s with few of them being abused while heading back to the dressing room during lunch break.

The ugly scenes resulted in an investigation following which a Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) member was banned and two others suspended for “abusive, offensive or inappropriate behaviour or language”.

Meanwhile, England are on cloud nine thanks to their stunning win over India in the Hyderabad Test that concluded on Day 4 itself. After falling behind on the basis of first innings lead, England fought back through Ollie Pope who made 196 in England’s 420-all out.

Set 231 to win with five sessions remaining in the contest, India were bowled out for 202 with England taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series on Sunday.

The second Test starts from February 2 in Vizag.