ENG vs IND 2025: ‘Not sure that means anything’ – Mark Butcher takes dig at umpires after Ben Stokes’ last-second review

Former England cricketers Michael Atherton and Mark Butcher took a sly dig at the on-field umpires after England captain Ben Stokes opted for a review with just one second left on the timer during Day 4 of the second Test against India at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

The incident mirrored a controversial moment from Day 3, when Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was allowed to challenge an umpire’s decision even after the DRS timer apparently ran out. The decision left Stokes frustrated, as the on-field umpires did not object and permitted the third umpire to proceed with the review.

On Day 4, during the 23rd over of India’s second innings, Brydon Carse and England appealed after Shubman Gill missed a flick on the leg-stump line. Stokes, initially unconvinced, was persuaded by the bowler and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith to challenge the on-field not out decision. The prolonged discussion between the England players consumed most of the review time, but Stokes, aware of the countdown, signaled for the DRS just in the nick of time.

Atherton remarked that Stokes was able to beat the clock, while Butcher replied that it did not matter, especially after the events of Day 3, when Jaiswal was allowed to take a review even after the timer had expired.

“Ran down the clock, and he was just okay to call for the review, just in time,” Atherton said during commentary.

“I’m not sure that means anything, do you?” Butcher replied.

“Do you reckon he had another couple of seconds left?” Atherton conceded with a laugh.

Meanwhile, Stokes’ instinct was correct as the Ultra Edge confirmed a faint inside edge as England lost the review. Despite their push for quick breakthroughs, India continued to build their lead, which extended beyond 350 runs on a tense Day 4 at Edgbaston.

At lunch on Day 4, India were 177 for 3, with Gill (24*) and Rishabh Pant (41*) unbeaten at the crease. KL Rahul (55) and Karun Nair (26) were the couple of wickets to fall in the morning session while Jaiswal lost his wicket at the latter part of Day 3 after scoring 28.