Birthday boy Ben Foakes’s wicket-keeping gets high praise

On a wicket that aided turn from the first session of the first day of the second Test, England did not concede a single extra in the 95.5 overs in India's first innings.

Chennai: England wicket-keeper Ben Foakes, who turned 28 on Monday, drew all-round praise from renowned former players from around the world for his brilliant work against India, with Kiran More calling him one of the best overseas players to have kept wickets in India.

On a wicket that aided turn from the first session of the first day of the second Test, England did not concede a single extra in the 95.5 overs in India’s first innings.

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Also, on a third day wicket, Foakes, playing his sixth Test, conceded just five byes, including a boundary from a viciously turning delivery.

“Ben Foakes has been one of the best overseas keepers in Indian conditions. His right leg opens up when collecting from a left-arm spinner. Off-spinner bowls and his left leg goes slightly back @englandcricket #cricket #IndvEng,” tweeted More during the third day’s play at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday.

Ben Foakes has been one of the best overseas keepers in Indian conditions. His right leg opens up when collecting from a left-arm spinner. Off-spinner bowls and his left leg goes slightly back @englandcricket #cricket #IndvEng (1/2)

— Kiran More (@JockMore) February 15, 2021

“When Foakes opens up while keeping his body opens up, that helps him to collect the ball when it is bouncing and jumping. He has a great head and hand position has great balance about him @englandcricket #cricket #IndvEng,” More added.

When Foakes opens up while keeping his body opens up, that helps him to collect the ball when it is bouncing and jumping. He has a great head and hand position has great balance about him @englandcricket #cricket #IndvEng (2/2)

— Kiran More (@JockMore) February 15, 2021

Former Australia stumper Adam Gilchrist also acknowledged him by tweeting, “Geez, how brilliant is Ben Foakes.”

Geez, how brilliant is Ben Foakes #INDvENG

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) February 15, 2021

Former England wicket-keeper Matt Prior called it a master-class tweeting, “This is an absolute master class from Ben Foakes behind the stumps (Emticons: Clapping hands) #INDvsENG.”

This is an absolute master class from Ben Foakes behind the stumps 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #INDvsENG

— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) February 15, 2021

Former India batsman VVS Laxman also praised Foakes, calling him the best overseas wicket-keeper he has seen in a long time.

“Ben Foakes has been excellent behind the stumps in this test. He is best overseas wicket-keeper I have seen for a long time. Very strong fundamentals, great hands and excellent technique. More importantly very good body language. #INDvEND @StarSportsIndia,” added Laxman, who played 134 Test matches and scored 8,781 runs.

Ben Foakes has been excellent behind the stumps in this test. He is best overseas wicket-keeper I have seen for a long time. Very strong fundamentals, great hands and excellent technique. More importantly very good body language. #INDvEND @StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/EvkEJZjSoK

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 15, 2021