23 Catches in 23 Seconds, Ben Foakes' Rapid Wicket-keeping Drill Ahead of 2nd Test - WATCH

Ben Foakes is training hard ahead of England’s second Test against India which takes place at Visakhapatnam. The wicket-keeper batter will be looking to contribute again to his side as they will aim to extend their lead in the series after getting the win in the first Test at Hyderabad.

The wicketkeeper-batter was seen going through his keeping drills. But the most interesting point to note is how quickly he can react to the incoming deliveries. Foakes was seen on video which was posted by England Cricket’s official handle on X which showcased him catching the ball 23 times in just 23 seconds.

His wicket-keeping skills have been outstanding and have been one of the key reasons for his selection in the England side. He had also acknowledged that keeping behind wickets in India is arguably the hardest.

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“In conditions like this, it’s about trying to think on your feet and learn because it’s not natural conditions (for me),” the 30-year-old was quoted as saying by ‘ESPNCricinfo’.

“I’ve obviously kept away a lot and kept to spinners, but I find that Indian pitches, with the variable bounce, are up there with the hardest,” Foakes said.

However, Foakes did not have much involvement in terms of being involved in dismissals as he only had two catches in the first Test. This is primarily due to the lack of bounce and the slow nature of the track in Hyderabad. But he was still involved in the game as his keeping behind the stumps was a demanding task due to the turn on offer and helping maintain pressure by not giving too many runs from behind.

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Foakes managed to put in a decent shift in the second innings where he was involved in a century partnership which amounted to 112 off 183 deliveries. The partnership was crucial as it allowed the English side to get back in the game and mount the pressure on the hosts. Foakes was dismissed for 34(81) but it turned out to be pivotal as England had turned the tides in their favour to go on and win the Test.

England has taken the lead in the series but their task lies ahead of the in the second Test as they will have to replicate what they have done previously all over again. Jack Leach is a major doubt for the Test which will be a big loss and the absence of Virat Kohli for the Indian side will be playing in the minds of the English camp as they will try to win the second Test and extend their lead in the series.