Who is Yash Vagadia? Unexpected Sub Not in Squad Makes Headlines Replacing Ben Stokes

In an unexpected moment during Day 3 of the first Test between England and India, a player who wasn’t even part of England’s squad made an appearance on the field. England captain Ben Stokes walked off in the seventh over, and in his place, a young Yorkshire cricketer named Yash Vagadia came on as a substitute fielder.

Who is Yash Vagadia

Vagadia is an Indian-origin right-handed cricketer who is a part of Yorkshire. The 21-year-old made his debut for the County in the One-Day Cup in 2024. He first played in the U14 level following which he went on to lead Yorkshire’s U18 side. After signing his first rookie pro-contract in 2022, Yash was also named Yorkshire Academy Player of the Year.

Vagadia isn’t the only player involved in the ENG vs IND 1st Test who wasn’t named in the main squad. Along with him, Jawad Akhtar and Noah Kelly have also been picked for 12th man duties. All three of them play for the Yorkshire club.

Stokes stepped off the field for a short while, and Yash Vagadia came on as his substitute. But the England captain was back on the field not long after.

Day 3 Highlights: Bumrah's Fifer, Brook Falls for 99, India Lead by 96

India closed Day 3 at 90/2 with KL Rahul (47) and Shubman Gill (6) on the crease. With a 6-run first innings lead, India extended the lead to 96, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) and Sai Sudharsan (30). Earlier, India bowled England out for 465 with Jasprit Bumrah taking a fifer after six catches were dropped. Harry Brook was dismissed for 99 while Ollie Pope scored a century. Chris Woakes frustrated India with a 38-run knock.

Day 3 sessions

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