Watch: Ben Stokes ended the second day of the Kia Oval Test, and Australia’s innings, with a brilliant solo effort on the boundary rope, throwing the ball up to himself before leaving and re-entering the field of play to complete a catch.
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The final Test looks set to be just as closely contested as the first three games of the series, with Australia building a platform through a slow first session, England roaring back with five wickets between lunch and tea, and a tail-end resistance giving the tourists a slight lead.
The advantage had reached 12 runs, and Australia captain Pat Cummins looked to extend it to 18 when he slog-swept Joe Root to mid-wicket. Had it not been for Stokes, the ball would have sailed for six. Instead, the England captain leapt and caught the ball, landing with one foot inside the rope.
Realising that his momentum would carry him beyond the balcony, Stokes threw the ball in the air, giving himself enough time to step out and back in to complete an excellent catch.
England will begin the third day with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett beginning the third innings of the game.
Watch the brilliant Ben Stokes boundary effort below:
Outstanding work in the deep from Ben Stokes! 👏 🔥 #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/7t3N8rXA0Y
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 28, 2023
