Follow UsOn-field umpire Rod Tucker made a remarkable decision on Day 2 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester - one so good that even England captain Ben Stokes couldn’t help but applaud it, despite losing the review.
It happened on the third delivery of the 96th over, when Stokes bowled a sharp back-of-a-length ball to Shardul Thakur, who was completely squared up. The delivery kicked off the surface and deviated slightly away. Thakur tried to defend, but missed it completely.
There was an audible noise as the ball passed the bat, prompting Stokes to send it upstairs after Tucker gave it not out. Replays revealed just how tight the call was - it looked incredibly close to the glove, but UltraEdge and visuals confirmed that the ball had brushed Thakur’s right shoulder, not the bat or glove, before landing safely in keeper Jamie Smith’s gloves.
In a rare sight, Stokes walked up to Tucker and shook his hand, acknowledging the brilliance of the call. It was a moment of genuine sportsmanship and respect - one that highlighted just how difficult umpiring can be at the highest level.
Stokes, however, did get his man in the 102nd over. Thakur was caught brilliantly by Ben Duckett at gully after scoring 41 off 88.
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