Published 12:16 IST, July 22nd 2020
Ben Stokes lauded on Twitter for commitment after saving four at long-on off own bowling
Ben Stokes is arguably one of the best all-rounders in the world and what he did on Day 5 of the second Test match vs Windies proves his commitment to the game.
England all-rounder Ben Stokes is arguably one of the best all-rounders in the world at the moment. The southpaw has been in the form of his life since the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Ben Stokes played a major role in England’s World Cup win. He also played a starring role in the Ashes 2019 where he helped England to level the series. Later on, the ICC awarded him with the ICC Player of the Year honour.
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England vs West Indies: Twitterati laud Ben Stokes' dedication to the game
The second Test of the England vs West Indies series which concluded recently was another example of the skill and commitment of the Englishman. Ben Stokes scored 254 runs across two innings and also grabbed three crucial wickets. Moreover, the contrasting nature of his batting in both innings gave a glimpse of his mettle. In the first innings, Ben Stokes played a patient inning of 176 off 356 balls while in the second innings when the hosts needed to up the ante, he scored a 57-ball 76 while opening the batting.
There is not an iota of doubt about his prowess as an all-rounder but what he did on Day 5 of the Test match proves his commitment and adherence to the game. It all happened in the 43rd over of the innings when Ben Stokes was in the middle of a long spell. Jermaine Blackwood and Shamarh Brooks formed a solid partnership for the fifth wicket which thwarted the hosts from victory.
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England needed six wickets to win and skipper Joe Root had set an attacking field with no mid-off. Sensing an opportunity to fetch a boundary, Blackwood punched one through the mid-off region. There was no fielder there and the ball was racing towards the boundary rope. Most bowlers would have given up running behind the ball but not Ben Stokes.
The No. 1 all-rounder in Tests decided to chase the ball and ran so fast that he managed to stop the ball before touching the boundary rope. It was a brilliant effort from him which showed his devotion to the game. Interestingly, Ben Stokes went on to break the partnership in the same over as he got rid of Blackwood. It was a much-needed wicket for them because they were running out of time.
Ben Stokes' efforts didn't go in vain as he contributed with both bat and ball to guide his team home on the final day of the second Test. West Indies needed to bat out 85 overs to salvage a draw and retain the Wisden Trophy. However, the Caribbean outfit were bowled out for 198 with 14.5 overs and one hour of play left to be played. Fans lauded Ben Stokes for his unmatched dedication to the game. Let's take a look at a few reactions.
IMAGE COURTESY: ENGLAND CRICKET TWITTER
Updated 12:16 IST, July 22nd 2020