In a gripping moment during the second session on Day 2 of the 2nd Test between India and England, the Indian team found themselves in dire need of inspiration as England’s opener Zak Crawley was wreaking havoc on their bowling attack.
After lunch, Crawley had swiftly amassed 61 runs off just 50 balls, signaling his intention to notch up a substantial score at a blistering pace.
As the teams took a much-needed drinks break, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma made a pivotal decision, bringing left-arm spinner Axar Patel into the attack. The move paid immediate dividends as Crawley, eager to take on the new bowler, carelessly threw away his wicket on 74.
Although Crawley managed to dispatch Axar for a boundary to the mid-wicket region, the spinner cleverly varied his pace and line, tempting Crawley to advance down the pitch and attempt another big shot.
In a dramatic turn of events, Crawley mistimed his stroke, sending a leading edge soaring towards the vacant area behind square on the off-side. However, the hero of the moment, Shreyas Iyer, sprinted backward from backward point, covering an impressive 14 meters to snare a sensational catch and dismiss Crawley.
WATCH: Iyer’s sensational catch send back Crawley
Crawley’s hopes of celebrating his birthday with a century were dashed, all thanks to the combination of Shreyas Iyer’s exceptional effort in the field and Axar Patel’s strategic bowling prowess. Iyer’s acrobatic catch bore striking similarities to the memorable grab made by Travis Head to dismiss Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
In a game where every moment counts, Iyer’s catch not only shifted the momentum in India’s favor but also showcased the team’s determination to seize opportunities and turn the tide in their favor. With the match finely poised, such moments of brilliance could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of the contest.