ENG vs SA: Ben Stokes gifts his final ODI cap to young fan in an endearing gesture

Ben Stokes walked out for the final time in English colours for his final ODI to a rousing reception by fans at his home ground in Durham on Tuesday, 19th of July. The star all-rounder received a hug from his skipper Jos Buttler before taking to the field. In a heartwarming gesture, Stokes gifted his final ODI cap to a young fan in the stands before walking off the pitch after the first innings.

England squared off against South Africa in the first of three ODIs at the Riverside Ground. The visitors opted to bat first on a scorching day in the UK. The England star, who was the center of attraction in his final game, didn’t have the best of outings with the ball in hand as he conceded 44 runs in just five overs. The heat wave didn’t help his cause either as he was seen huffing and puffing by the time the innings came to a halt.

One of the most loved and adored cricketers in the country, Stokes is known for his interaction with the fans and his final ODI was no different as he made a young fan’s day by gifting him his ODI cap. The young fan was pictured with Stokes’ cap in a Tweet posted by the English cricket supporter’s club, Barmy Army. 

“A class act until the end @benstokes38 gave his final cap to this young lad as he walked off the pitch!,” the post from Barmy Army read.

A class act until the end 🙌@benstokes38 gave his final cap to this young lad as he walked off the pitch!#ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/MXzDx7EUaX

— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 19, 2022

Rassie van der Dussen and Co. pile the misery on English bowlers in the scorching heat

South Africa posted their highest-ever total on England’s shores, finishing with a daunting total of 333/5 in their 50 overs. South Africa’s Van der Dussen continued his sensational run-scoring form in ODIs by registering his third century with a knock of 134 runs off 117 deliveries. 

He was supported in the middle initially by young opening batter Janneman Malan (57 off 77 balls) and then switched gears while batting alongside Aiden Markram, who scored a stylish 77 off 61 deliveries. The considerable heat at the venue resigned the players to take several drinks breaks, while the dimensions of the field didn’t help the players’ cause either as they were run ragged by the Proteas batters.