Published 16:51 IST, January 8th 2020
Ben Stokes wins hearts with unique tribute to ill father after Cape Town Test heroics
SA vs Eng: After the Cape Town Test win, Ben Stokes was seen making a hand gesture in front of camera while walking towards the England dressing room.
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Ben Stokes sizzled yet again as the star all-rounder inspired a series-levelling performance for England. First, he scored a blazing 47-ball 72 to give England enough time to dismiss South Africa. Later, Stokes cleaned up the South African tail in the final hour of the match.
SA vs ENG: Ben Stokes wins’ hearts with a unique tribute to his ill father after Cape Town heroics
After the win, the England cricket team were making their way to the dressing room. While walking towards the room, Ben Stokes came up with a hand gesture in front of the camera. He folded his middle finger and it was his way of paying tribute to his ill father Gerard Stokes. Check out Ben Stokes gesture down below.
A once in a generation cricketer. And he's ours.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 7, 2020
No words left @benstokes38 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/PgjxGOegip
SA vs ENG
Ben Stokes' gesture was a direct reference to the time when his father had to amputate his middle finger in the 1980s. Since he could not afford to stop for an operation, Gerard Stokes decided to cut off his middle finger in order to continue playing in Rugby League.
Gerard Stokes was hospitalised two days before Christmas in Johannesburg after suffering from an illness. According to reports, his condition has now been stabilised. While speaking to a leading England daily, Ben Stokes spoke about his ill father. He said that whenever he worries about his own injuries and niggles, he thinks about his father.
⭐ 119 runs, including a quick-fire 72
— ICC (@ICC) January 7, 2020
⭐ 6 catches
⭐ 3 wickets
What a match Ben Stokes has had 🔥 #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/5POXFXvHbs
Gerard can be regularly seen in stadiums to watch England matches involving his son Ben. Since he could not make it to the stadium this time, the star all-rounder added that he put in a lot of efforts into the game for him.
16:51 IST, January 8th 2020