England's standout performance on the second day of the Ranchi Test against India showcased the tactical brilliance of Captain Ben Stokes. Stokes, operating like a grandmaster on the field, orchestrated field placements akin to a chessboard, complicating India's task even on familiar home turf.

The unconventional fields set by Stokes forced Indian batters into mistakes, exemplified by Shubman Gill's dismissal in Visakhapatnam. By bringing the mid-on inside the imaginary circle, Stokes eliminated an easy single option, leading Gill to attempt a high-risk reverse-sweep, resulting in a caught behind.

In Ranchi, Stokes displayed captaincy prowess by giving an eight-over-old ball to offspinner Shoaib Bashir, who bowled 31 overs unchanged, claiming four wickets and turning the tide in England's favor. Stokes balanced aggression with pragmatism, using a mix of close-in and deep fields to keep the pressure on Indian batters.

Stokes's strategic brilliance was evident in the dismissal of Sarfaraz Khan. Recognizing Sarfaraz's propensity for big hits and easy singles, Stokes deployed a fielder straight down the ground to cut off boundaries and implemented a ring field inside the imaginary circle. This plan limited Sarfaraz to only four singles off 34 balls faced from spinner Tom Hartley, ultimately leading to his dismissal.

The day showcased a perfect role play by England, with Stokes leading as the captain, Ollie Robinson contributing with a maiden Test fifty, Joe Root anchoring the innings, and James Anderson delivering a crucial blow by dismissing Rohit Sharma. Bashir and Hartley played their roles as effective spinners, exploiting the challenging pitch.

Stokes's adept captaincy, combined with England's disciplined performance, created a chess-like atmosphere on the field. The overcast skies, cracked surface, and strategic moves felt like watching a captivating game of chess. As England looks poised to secure a significant lead, the Ranchi Test unfolds as a tactical battle, with Stokes orchestrating moves for a potential checkmate.