[WATCH] Yashasvi Jaiswal And Ben Stokes Involved In Heated Banter During The Second ENG vs IND Test

During the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, England captain Ben Stokes tried to play mind games against India’s young opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal. With overcast skies and conditions favouring bowlers, England elected to bowl first. Stokes, known for his aggressive approach, attempted to rattle Jaiswal with verbal exchanges and body language as the Indian opener faced the new ball.

However, Jaiswal, showing great composure and maturity, didn’t let the tactic affect him. Instead, he responded with class, playing elegant shots including drives through cover and cuts behind point. One particular moment saw Stokes try to provoke him during a quick single in the 17th over, but Jaiswal maintained his cool and focus.

Some heated JAISBALL 🆚 BAZBALL on display! 👀#ENGvIND 👉 2nd Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar ➡ https://t.co/g6BryBoy3Y pic.twitter.com/ZJWy1ir2ih

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 2, 2025

Jaiswal’s Composed Fifty Leads India’s Recovery

Despite the early loss of skipper Rohit Sharma, Jaiswal continued to play with control. His ability to stay composed even in the face of verbal duels helped him dominate the England bowlers. He soon brought up his 11th Test fifty, becoming the backbone of India’s innings. Partnering with Karun Nair, who was promoted to bat at number three, the two formed a solid partnership.

Nair played confidently, punishing loose deliveries with well-timed boundaries. The duo stitched together a valuable 80-run stand that brought stability to India’s innings. Just before lunch, Nair fell after making a brisk 39, but by then, India had reached a comfortable 98/2.

Strategic Changes and England’s Bowling Challenge

India made several key changes to their lineup, giving a rest to pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and bringing in Akash Deep. Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy also featured in the playing XI, replacing Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur. England, on the other hand, relied on Brydon Carse to provide support to their bowling unit.

Carse managed to trouble Indian batters with movement and bounce, but the hosts couldn’t fully capitalize on the helpful conditions. Stokes’ plan to unsettle Jaiswal with mental tactics didn’t succeed, as the opener showed poise and continued to anchor the innings. India’s strategy of fielding a balanced side and their top-order’s grit under pressure helped them regain control by the end of the first session.

While Ben Stokes tried to use mind games to disrupt Yashasvi Jaiswal’s rhythm, the Indian batter stood tall, letting his bat do the talking and steering India into a strong position early in the Test.

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