Ben Foakes has become a regular starter for the England Test Team, recently replacing misfiring wicket-keeper Jos Buttler.
England’s limited-overs talisman and skipper, Jos Buttler has largely struggled in his red-ball career to date, managing just 2 centuries off the 57 Test matches that he’s played thus far.
Thus, it wasn’t a blast when new Test skipper Ben Stokes chose to drop Jos from the eleven and brought in a quality gloveman in Foakes.
Ben Foakes has grabbed the limited opportunity with both hands, and therefore he has been given the wicket-keeper duties for the ongoing 2nd test against SA as well.
Ben Foakes grabs ‘snake ball’ to leave Stuart Broad in shock
The incident occurred on the first ball of the 13th over of the SA innings, which was bowled by Stuart Broad.
The delivery from Broad pitched on a good length outside off and came in towards left-handed Dean Elgar, holding its angle.
But surprisingly, after travelling past the stumps, the SNAKE BALL sharply swung the other direction (away from the stumps).
Nonetheless, wicket-keeper Ben Foakes –alert behind the stumps– showed amazing reflexes to grab the ball one-handed, leaving Stuart Broad stunned.
Ben Foakes classic – one of the best Wicketkeeper in world cricket. pic.twitter.com/6urRM0qsSR
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 25, 2022
The late and sharp swing notwithstanding, the ball dipped onto Ben Foakes, making the save from the incumbent wicket-keeper all the more brilliant.
Coming back to the match, earlier in the day, Dean Elgar had won the toss and elected to bat first.
The decision, although correct keeping the pitch in mind, backfired big-time as the visitors lost their top three inside the first 15 overs.
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Rabada (36) and Kyle Verreynne (21) showed some late resistance to take SA to 151 before they got all-out.
Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson grabbed 3 each. Ben Stokes, Robinson, and Leach shared the other four wickets amongst themselves as wicket-keeper Ben Foakes took three catches.
In reply, England ended the first day at 111 for three. Jonny Bairstow remained not-out for his 45-ball-38 alongside Zak Crawley, who was batting on seventeen.
