Social media was rife with speculation that Ben Stokes ‘did a Gary Lineker’ on the second day of England’s third Test against West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford.
England’s fielders, including captain Joe Root, were in hysterics after an unfortunate brown patch appeared on the all-rounder’s previously pristine whites. The left-hander first tried to hide the blemish by pulling down his jumper, before nodding sheepishly and chuckling himself.
Don't worry @GaryLineker, you're now not the only one to have an 'accident' on the pitch. 😳
Ben Stokes has a rather unfortunate stain on his trousers…😅
Catch up on #ENGvWI highlights on @BBCTwo at 7.15pm. #bbccricket pic.twitter.com/FbOCgMJTH7
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 25, 2020
Cricket fans’ minds instantly jumped to the thought that Stokes had had a bowel-related mishap, but he has since clarified that he simply “sat in spilt coffee”.
Sat in spilt coffee FYI 😂😂 https://t.co/Y4Bf9X6trK
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) July 25, 2020
Had the reason for Stokes’ stain been more unseemly, he would at least have been in good recent company. Australia captain Tim Paine revealed not long ago that he defecated on the field moments before his side claimed the wicket which confirmed they had retained the Ashes in 2019. That incident also occurred at the Manchester ground. Maybe there’s something in the water.
