Ben Stokes has won the battle against Virat Kohli: Graeme Swann

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has opined that Ben Stokes has won his duel with Virat Kohli after dismissing the India skipper on day two of the ongoing fourth Test in Ahmedabad. Swann was referring to the heated exchange that took place between Stokes and the India skipper on day one of the game.

The incident happened after Stokes abused Mohammed Siraj. The young pacer did not reply to the England all-rounder before Kohli decided to take the matters in his own hands. The India captain walked up to Stokes before the heated exchange began. Kohli’s facial expression made it clear that he was absolutely furious with him.

At one stage, the angry India star even took off his goggles as he kept throwing verbal volleys at Ben Stokes. But just when it looked like matters may escalate, umpire Virender Sharma intervened and separated the two players to bring the matter under control.

Ben Stokes dismissed Virat Kohli on Day 2

Ben Stokes had the last laugh in his battle with Virat Kohli on Friday as he dismissed the latter for an 8-ball duck with a stunning delivery. Kohli was completely outfoxed by the delivery that was pitched on the short of length spot before rising unexpectedly. The batsman could only edge the ball to Ben Foakes behind the stumps before walking off with a surprised look on his face.

Following Kohli’s dismissal, Swann declared Stokes the winner of the exchange between him and the India star. In the post-lunch show on Star Sports Networks, former off-spinner from England hailed the Indian skipper as ‘world-class’ before saying that he was tempted to play the brilliant delivery from Stokes because he wanted to get off the mark.

“Well he is world class, we all know that. I said earlier in the morning that it will be difficult to start for a batsman, I was thinking more against spin bowling because of the turn and bounce. Virat, we know that he looks to score early. He likes bat on ball. He just chased it a little bit.

“I maintain that if you are not as good as Virat Kohli, you probably are not going to take that ball, you will be too late on it. Very well done Ben Stokes, there were few words exchanged between them yesterday, so Stokes has won that battle today,” Graeme Swann said.