Ben Stokes himself saves a boundary at long-off after bowling; lauded for his commitment

England all-rounder Ben Stokes is at the peak of his career since the World Cup last year. Whatever he is touching is turning into gold for the Brits (apart from captaincy debut). The second Test against West Indies was another example of his supremacy as he scored 254 runs in two innings and picked three wickets with all of them coming at the perfect time for England.

No doubt, he is a brilliant all-rounder, but what he did on the final day gave an account of his fitness and commitment to the game. The incident took place in 43rd over of the innings when Ben Stokes was in the middle of a long spell. The hosts were frustrated thanks to a stubborn partnership between Jermaine Blackwood and Shamarh Brooks for the fifth wicket.

With six more wickets needed for victory, Joe Root had set an attacking field with no one at mid-on. Sensing a chance to earn a boundary, Blackwood went on the backfoot to punch a back of a length delivery from Stokes down the ground. With no fielder there, the ball was racing towards the boundary, and most bowlers wouldn’t have even thought of running behind the ball.

Ben Stokes successfully stops the ball

But Ben Stokes decided to field the ball and ran so swiftly that he managed to stop the ball before touching the boundary line. It was an excellent effort from him despite being in the eighth over of his spell. Interestingly, after such a heroic effort, Ben Stokes broke the partnership bouncing Blackwood out in the same over. It was a much-needed breakthrough for the home side as time was running out for them.

Here’s the video:

There's commitment.

And there is Ben Stokes' idea of commitment.

Highlights of yesterday's win 👉 https://t.co/j13W3a7KgX pic.twitter.com/YYl5UeK9yk

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 21, 2020

His efforts didn’t go in vain as England managed to bundle the West Indies out an hour before the end of day’s play to level the three-match series. It was no surprise that Ben Stokes was also named the player of the match for his all-round show. He will continue to be the hosts’ key player if they are to regain the Wisden Trophy by winning the third Test. West Indies, meanwhile, will have to find answers to keep him quiet.

Here’s how the fans reacted to his commitment:

No words to describe his commitment to winning games for his team. Keep it up Stokesy!

— Read Scoops (@ReadScoops) July 21, 2020

Just imagine the roar if there was a crowd watching this 😍

— Arthur Cornforth (@artypc94) July 21, 2020

Ben stokes is the best 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

— Ishtiaq Ahmed Choudhry (@IshtiaqAhmedCh2) July 21, 2020

Wouldn't surprise me if he comes up with a covid-19 vaccine…..such is the man…

— adam nelson (@nelly4269) July 21, 2020

Arise sir Ben stokes

— Lokesh Reddy (@LokeshR98700470) July 21, 2020

@OJuicy360 probably my favourite highlight from the whole match, the fact that he has the energy to bounce Blackwood out 3 balls later is just insane

— Elliott Lee (@elliottlee_19) July 21, 2020

what a legend!!!

— Mayur Bhai (@Uglybuoy) July 21, 2020