Fuming Ben Stokes refuses to play as England vs India match interrupted

The opening day of England's third Test match with India was disrupted by a swarm of ladybirds as Ben Stokes and team-mate Joe Root were left scratching their heads. England finished day one 251-4, with Joe Root stuck on 99 not out overnight.

After being slammed for their poor performance in the second Test, England got off to a difficult start when openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were dismissed for 18 and 23 runs respectively. Ollie Pope and, as he has far too often been forced to do during his England career, Root, steadied the ship and got the hosts back on track.

Pope was dismissed for a helpful 44, but Harry Brook managed just 11 runs alongside the ever-impressive Root, with concerns about another middle-order England collapse starting to grow. Those fears were put to bed when Stokes waltzed out to the crease, with the England skipper digging deep to make a gutsy 39 not out at stumps.

However, during the dying embers of the final session, play was briefly brought to a halt when a loveliness of ladybirds descended on the players. Stokes, who was also battling a minor injury concern, wasn't best pleased by the impromptu invasion, with the 34-year-old spotted deep in conversation with the umpire.

MORE TO FOLLOW

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: http://express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @‌dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account - providing real news in real time.

We're also on Facebook @‌dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.