By Chirag - Jun 23, 2025 02:48 PM
The third day of the first Test between India and England at Headingley, Leeds, witnessed a surprising moment when an unfamiliar face appeared on the field. Ben Stokes, the captain of England, was briefly substituted as a substitute fielder by 21-year-old Indian cricketer Yash Vagadia. The incident occurred during India’s second innings after the seventh over, when Stokes temporarily left the field. Given that Vagadia is not a member of England's official 14-man Test squad, his appearance raised interest.
Young all-rounder Yash Vagadia represents Yorkshire in domestic cricket. Vagadia was born in Newcastle and is a right-handed batsman and medium-pacing right-arm bowler. Though not a member of the England national squad, he has built a promising reputation through Yorkshire’s age-group cricket structure.
He started his journey with Yorkshire’s Under-14 team and later captained both their academy and Under-18 sides. His consistent performances earned him the Yorkshire Academy Player of the Year award, and he signed his first rookie professional contract with the county in 2022. Vagadia made his List A debut for Yorkshire in the 2024 One-Day Cup against Warwickshire and has played two List A games so far.
Vagadia was one of three Yorkshire players, along with Jawad Akhtar and Noah Kelly, handed 12th man responsibilities for the Headingley Test, despite not being in the England Test squad. This arrangement was announced by Yorkshire County Cricket Club ahead of the match.
We see you, Yash ?
— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) June 22, 2025
Quality to see our own Yash Vagadia out in the field during today's action ?#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/gNANgpI49J
This initiative aims to provide young domestic players with a close-up experience of international cricket. It helps them understand the preparations involved at the highest level, observe the mental and physical routines of elite players, and get a chance to interact with seasoned professionals.
As part of their duties, Vagadia and the other young cricketers have been assisting the England team with tasks such as carrying drinks, helping in warm-ups, and acting as substitute fielders if needed. It’s an invaluable opportunity for players like Vagadia to learn and gain exposure in a high-pressure environment.
Vagadia’s brief appearance on the field may have been unplanned, but it reflects England’s commitment to nurturing young talent through real-world exposure. Yash Vagadia is undoubtedly a player to watch in the upcoming years, having established a strong foundation in county cricket and gained experience in the international dressing room.
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