Stokes Just Pulled Off the Most Brilliant Mind Game I've Seen in Years

By Lewis Barnett 25 June, 2025 5 mins read 57 Views

Okay, I'm still laughing about this.

Ben Stokes basically turned into a poker player yesterday at Headingley, and India fell for it hook, line, and sinker. The man shook his hand after getting hit on the arm - THE ARM - and somehow convinced an entire Indian cricket team to waste their review on what was obviously never going to be out.

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The Setup Was Pure Theatre

Picture this: it's past 4pm on day five, England still needs 118 runs, and tea's coming up fast. Stokes walks to the crease knowing every ball matters. He goes for one of those cheeky reverse sweeps (because of course he does), mistimes it slightly, and the ball smacks into his arm.

But here's where it gets beautiful.

Instead of just getting on with it, Stokes starts shaking his hand around like he's just touched a hot stove. India appeals immediately - they're thinking glove, they're thinking caught behind, they're thinking wicket. On-field umpire says not out, but you can practically see the wheels turning in the Indian camp.

They took the bait. Hook, line, and sinker.

Twitter Went Absolutely Mental

The reactions were gold. Pure gold. One fan called it "4D captaincy" which honestly might be underselling it. Another pointed out how Stokes was literally laughing with Root afterwards, probably showing him the mark on his arm like "mate, look where it actually hit me."

My personal favorite tweet was someone calling it "unreal sandbagging" - because that's exactly what it was. Professional-level gamesmanship disguised as innocent hand-shaking.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Look, reviews are precious in Test cricket. You get two per innings, and once they're gone, they're gone. India burning one on what was essentially a non-decision meant they couldn't challenge anything else for the rest of England's chase.

And in a game that came down to the final hour? That's huge.

Duckett ended up smashing 149 and England won by five wickets, but those fine margins - the psychological warfare, the mind games, the little moments of brilliance - that's what separates good captains from great ones.

Stokes Being Stokes

After the match, Stokes was all class in his interviews. Talked about the "awesome Test match," praised Duckett's knock, gave credit to Crawley for staying composed. Standard captain stuff.

But you know he was grinning inside. The man just out-foxed an entire cricket team with some theatrical hand-shaking, and now England's 1-0 up in the series.

That's the kind of street-smart captaincy that wins you Test matches. And probably why his teammates love playing for him.

Absolute genius.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of fielding drills in a cricketer's training routine?

Fielding drills form an important part of any cricketer’s training program. The modern sport places great emphasis on fielding skills. Fielding is a crucial part of a cricketer's training routine. The modern game places heightened emphasis on fielding standards. Fielding drills emphasize agility, catching, accuracy of throwing, and quick reflexes. Regular practice makes fielders sharper, more agile and quicker in the field. This boosts the defensive capabilities of the team and can contribute to its morale and momentum.

What are the dietary guidelines that cricket professionals follow?

Cricket players follow a diet carefully tailored to meet their needs and the demands of the game. The dietary regimen is focused on providing balanced nutrition, which encompasses a mix of carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair and growth, and fats for longer-lasting energy reserves. Water and sports drinks are essential to staying hydrated. This is especially important during long periods of playing. They usually work with sports nutritionalists to optimize their diets based on their training schedules or match timings.

After a training session or match, do professional cricketers follow any specific recovery protocol?

Cricketers who are professional follow specific recovery protocols to ensure that they remain in top physical condition. These protocols include cooldown and stretching exercises to relieve tension in the muscles, as well as ice baths and cryotherapy for inflammation and soreness. Proper nutrition and hydration play a vital role in recovery, with an emphasis on protein intake for muscle repair. In addition to physiotherapy treatments that may include foam rolling or massage, it is important to get enough sleep. It is important to have a comprehensive recovery plan in order to prevent injury and manage workload.

What is the role of video analysis in a Cricketer's Training?

Video analysis is a crucial aspect of modern cricket training. It allows players and their coaches to analyse past performances in order to identify areas that need improvement. It allows detailed analysis to be done on batting, bowling, and fielding techniques. By using slow-motion and other analytical techniques, players can refine and understand their skills and the strategy of their opponent. They can also improve their understanding of the game. In team meetings, players often conduct video sessions to gain insight on tactical planning.

How many times a week do professional cricketers train for their games?

Professional cricketers continue to train throughout the entire year. However, their schedules get more intense when the cricket season begins and during certain tournaments. The majority of the time, professional cricketers train between five and six times a week. They concentrate on various aspects of the sport, such as physical fitness, skill training, or match practice. The offseason may involve less frequency or intensity, allowing players time to recover and focus on individual skill enhancement or addressing specific areas of their game.

Statistics

Post-match recovery protocols, including active recovery and physiotherapy, can reduce injury recuperation times by up to 30% for professional cricketers.
On average, professional cricketers dedicate 20-25 hours per week to various forms of cricket-specific training.
Professional cricketers playing at the international level may engage in upward of 200 hours of net practice sessions in a year.
Fielding drills comprise roughly 20% of a professional cricketer's practice routine in the lead-up to competitive matches.
Dietary analysis of elite cricketers reveals that they consume approximately 55-60% of their daily calories from carbohydrates during intense training periods.

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How To

How To Create a Cricket Professional Fitness Training Routine

In order to establish a fitness routine for a professional cricketer, you should first evaluate the athlete's condition. Consider stamina, flexibility, and strength. Build a comprehensive plan that includes aerobic exercises for endurance, weight training for strength, and regular stretching for flexibility. It's important to customize the workout to suit the role that the player has in the team. This could be as a batsman for the all-rounder, or a fast bowler. Interval training, plyometrics and other drills will improve your performance. Allow for enough rest and recovery to avoid injuries and overtraining.