Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Ben Stokes pulls off a marvellous catch to dismiss Pat Cummins on Day 2 of the Oval Test

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The fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval has been a captivating contest so far, with England making a strong comeback on Day 2 by bowling out Australia for 295 runs after being removed for 283 on the previous day. England’s bowlers put up an impressive performance, with Chris Woakes taking three wickets and Stuart Broad, Mark Wood and Joe Root picking a brace each.

However, the highlight of the day was England’s captain, Ben Stokes, who once again demonstrated his exceptional abilities on the cricket field. England’s red-ball skipper has been a key player for his side throughout the Ashes series, playing remarkable innings with the bat and making crucial contributions with the ball despite an injured knee.

In Australia’s first innings, at one stage, England managed to reduce them to 186 for 7, but the fine cameos from Pat Cummins (36) and Todd Murphy (34) shattered their hopes of wrapping up the tail quickly. Cummins, the Australian counterpart of Stokes, put together valuable partnerships, adding 54 runs with Steve Smith (71) and 49 runs with Murphy.

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With Cummins posing a challenge for the English bowlers, they needed something special to dismiss him, and Stokes stepped up to the occasion.

On the first ball of the 104th over, The New South Wales-born cricketer decided to take on Joe Root and aimed for a big shot towards long on. The ball seemed destined to sail over Stokes’ head for a six, but the 32-year-old showcased his athleticism and fielding brilliance. He leaped and caught the ball with both hands over his head, just before it would have crossed the boundary. The momentum then carried Stokes to the other side of the rope, but before touching the ground, the English stalwart smartly tossed the ball in the air, regained control and completed the catch within the field of play.

Here’s the video:

What a way to finish the day!

A stunning grab from the captain brings Day 2 to a close

Australia lead by at the end of the first innings…#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/EdsUjrfmk7

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 28, 2023

As a result of Stokes’ remarkable catch, England wrapped up Australia’s first innings, but couldn’t stop them from taking a slender 13-run lead. In the same innings Stokes also completed his 100th catch when he caught the Australian wicketkeeper- batter Alex Carey (10) at short extra cover. As the match heads into the third day, England will begin their third innings with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett at the crease.

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