Wellington: There is no doubt that England’s Ben Stokes is one of the best fielders in world cricket. Cricket lovers will never forget Stokes’ amazing catch in the Ashes. Stokes has proven this once again. This time, Stokes was noticed because of his effort that came close to the catch even though he could not get the catch.
Fans saw Ben Stokes’ wonder catch attempt during the New Zealand-England second Test in Wellington. Chasing England’s first innings score of 435 runs, the Kiwis lost seven wickets for 103 runs in 35.3 overs. But skipper Tim Southee took the stage with huge shots towards him. Coming to the crease in the ninth over, Southee returned with 73 runs off 49 balls with five fours and six sixes. It was during this time that an adventurous opportunity to catch Southee’s shot came to King Ben.
Southee tried to bowl Leach over long-on and Stokes raced to the boundary from 30 yards out and flew for the catch. Unfortunately, Stokes missed the catch. Had it been pulled it would have gone down as one of the best catches in world cricket. But the cricket world is applauding the efforts of Ben Stokes.
In the match, the Kiwis were bowled out for 209 in the first innings against England’s 435 runs and followed-on with a lead of 226 runs at the end of the third day. With seven wickets in hand, New Zealand is only 24 runs behind England’s score. Tim Southee and Tom Blendel’s partnership of 98 runs for the eighth wicket lifted New Zealand, who were floundering in the first innings earlier at 103-7.
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Last Updated Feb 26, 2023, 2:39 PM IST