The first Test match between England and India at Headingley has been full of intriguing moments, but one particular incident involving Rishabh Pant and Ben Stokes has captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide. On Day 3, Pant's clever use of mind games appeared to contribute to the dismissal of the England captain, sparking discussions about the subtle tactics employed in Test cricket.

The incident occurred during the 64th over of England's first innings. Ravindra Jadeja bowled a delivery that spun away from the off-stump, and Stokes, showing admirable restraint, chose to leave it alone. At that moment, Pant, standing behind the stumps, was caught on the stump mic saying, "Sensible Stokesy." While seemingly innocuous, the comment, delivered with a hint of mischief, appeared to unsettle Stokes.

Just four balls later, Mohammed Siraj bowled a length ball that angled in and then nipped away from Stokes. Attempting to punch it through the off-side, Stokes edged the ball to Pant, who took a simple catch. While the dismissal was a result of Siraj's skillful delivery, many believe that Pant's earlier comment played a role in Stokes' lapse in concentration.

The dismissal was crucial as Stokes and Harry Brook had been building a solid partnership after Ollie Pope's early dismissal. Stokes, who had looked cautious until that point, never quite settled at the crease, and his departure disrupted England's momentum.

Social media quickly picked up on the incident, with fans and experts praising Pant's gamesmanship. A video of the exchange went viral, with captions like "Peak mind games, peak Rishabh Pant, peak Test cricket!" The incident highlights the psychological battles that often take place on the cricket field, where players try to gain an edge over their opponents through subtle tactics and mental pressure.

Pant's "sensible Stokesy" comment is just one example of the ploys he uses, whether with the bat or from behind the stumps. Throughout the Test, he has been subtly deploying these tactics, keeping the pressure on the English batsmen.

While some might view Pant's actions as unsportsmanlike, others see it as a clever way to gain a competitive advantage. In a game of fine margins, these small moments can often make a significant difference. Whether Pant's comment was the sole reason for Stokes' dismissal is debatable, but it undoubtedly added another layer of intrigue to an already captivating Test match.

Beyond this incident, the Test match saw other noteworthy events. Pant himself has had an eventful series, starting with an aggressive approach on the first day where he hit Stokes for a boundary, drawing a laugh from the England captain. India managed to gain a narrow lead of 96 runs by the end of Day 3, with Harry Brook missing out on a century after being dismissed for 99. Jasprit Bumrah's impressive bowling and India's dropped catches also played crucial roles in shaping the game.