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[Watch] Ben Stokes Brings The Oval to Its Feet with Unbelievable Catch on Day 2 of Fifth Ashes Test

image-lknsi8g3Ben Stokes took a fabulous catch [Twitter]

England captain Ben Stokes produced a magnificent fielding effort as he displayed remarkable athleticism to oust his Australian counterpart, Pat Cummins, on Day 2 of the fifth Ashes 2023 Test at The Kennington Oval in London.


Stokes' out-of-the-world boundary catch sent fans into a frenzy

England clawed their way back into the Test, restricting Australia to 295 after scoring 283 in their first innings. The day witnessed an impressive bowling display by England, with Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, and skipper Joe Root sharing the spoils. 

But it was Stokes' sensational catch that stole the limelight, proving that he can still significantly contribute without the ball in hand.

The decisive moment unfolded when Cummins, aiming to add a few quick runs with the last Australian wicket at his disposal, attempted a boundary hit off Root's delivery. As the ball was seemingly soaring over the boundary for a six, Stokes, stationed at long-on, timed his jump to perfection, grabbing the ball mid-air.

However, sensing his momentum might carry him beyond the boundary line, the English skipper, tossed the ball back into the playing field. He then swiftly recomposed himself, stepping back onto the field to complete the catch. The dismissal not only provided Root with a crucial wicket but also brought Day 2 to a dramatic close.


Watch: Ben Stokes catch video

Australia, who had started the day comfortably at 61-1, were pegged back by a disciplined English attack, tumbling to 185-7. A solid 54-run partnership between Cummins and Steve Smith, and a late surge by Todd Murphy, ensured that the Aussies went past England’s total and gained a marginal 12-run lead as stumps were drawn on Day 2.

As things stand, the game is evenly poised. Australia may have taken a slender lead, but England will be determined to equalise the Ashes 2023.

The hosts will be looking to capitalise on this momentum, while Australia will aim to suppress England's advances as the pitch deteriorates over the coming days.