ENG vs IND: Know actual reason behind Ben Stokes celebration after Prasidh Krishna's wicket in first innings of 1st Test match

Team India faced a disappointing end to their first innings on Day 2, after reaching a promising 430/3, ending up at 471 all out. The last seven wickets fell for only 41 runs, and India’s second innings began with new members of the lineup, with Josh Tongue carrying momentum from the previous over. Tongue played a key role in dismantling India’s lower order, finishing with 4/86. He took the crucial wickets of centurion Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna.

After the last wicket, there was a lighthearted moment that went viral when England captain Ben Stokes jokingly made an 'eating' gesture towards Tongue. Former England pacer Stuart Broad later explained its meaning on social media. “‘Eating rabbit pie. Getting the Tailenders out. Knocking over the lower order,’” Broad wrote on X, confirming that the gesture was a fun reference to cleaning up the tail. The moment sparked laughter and conversation online.

Stokes wasn’t just involved in the celebrations—he was also among England’s best bowlers. The skipper claimed four wickets himself, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal, B Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, and Shardul Thakur. His performance, alongside Tongue’s, ensured India couldn’t capitalize on a strong foundation laid by the top order.

Stokes and Tongue Turn the Tide as Pope Anchors England Reply

England countered in reply, with Ollie Pope taking the lead. At stumps on Day 2, England were 209/3, still behind by 262 runs. Pope was unbeaten on 100*, with Harry Brook solid on 0*. The final session belonged to England, who ended on a high.

Watch the video here

What was that gesture from Ben Stokes to Josh Tongue? 😅 pic.twitter.com/7HBIs5BlFF

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 21, 2025

See Also: [Watch] ENG vs IND 1st Test: Mohammed Siraj removes Ben Stokes with a perfect Seamer outside off

Pope and Ben Duckett shared a 122-run partnership, with Duckett scoring 62 before Jasprit Bumrah bowled him with a peach that shattered the middle stump. Bumrah also dismissed Joe Root for 28, caught by Karun Nair, marking the 10th time Root fell to Bumrah. Although Brook was dismissed off a no-ball, he and Pope saw England safely to stumps without further damage.