Ben Stokes catch: England all-rounder makes stunning catch in 2019 Cricket World Cup opener vs South Africa

PA
Tom Doyle30 May 2019

Ben Stokes made an early claim for catch of the tournament as the England all-rounder made a stunning take in the 2019 Cricket World Cup opener against South Africa.

Stokes initially led the way with the bat as he posted 89 towards England's score of 311/8 at the Oval.

And following Stokes had the majority of the sell-out crowd on its feet following a sensational catch which removed Andile Phehlukwayo.

Moving backwards towards the boundary at deep midwicket, the all-rounder somehow stretched to pluck the ball out of the air with his right hand and deny a certain six.

The catch, off Rashid, pushed England closer to victory, leaving South Africa 180 for seven.

Stokes' effort drew praise from former players and fans alike, with ex-South Africa captain Graeme Smith telling BBC's Test Match Special: "You have to smile. What a catch!

"He never looked like he was going to get anywhere near it. He stuck up the right hand and the big celebrations follow. It will take a lot to beat that in this World Cup."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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