Ben Stokes Cheated After Making Big Claims On Spirit Of Cricket: Just when we thought we’ve seen it all, England does it again. The English cricket team, along with certain media sections, have been criticizing Australia’s alleged violation of the ‘Spirit of the Game’ during the Second Test. Pat Cummins and his team have been on the receiving end of considerable flak following a dismissal that, albeit contentious, remained within the rules.
England captain Ben Stokes was vocal about his preferred method of victory – clean, fair, and in line with the ‘Spirit of the Game.’ But his actions during a game raised eyebrows and sparked questions about the sincerity of his words. Following a commanding opening session, England had Australia reeling at 4/85, but it was Ben Stokes’s subsequent action that caught everyone’s attention.
A ball hit by Australia’s Travis Head seemed destined for the boundary. But Stokes had a different plan. He leapt towards the boundary, skillfully flicked the ball back with his right hand, and appeared to save his team four runs. However, a closer inspection told a different story.
Ben Stokes yet again in The Controversy Surrounding the ‘Spirit of the Game
As replays played, it became evident that Ben Stokes’s left arm was in contact with the boundary as he held the ball in his right hand. Former England captain Nasser Hussain seemed convinced that it was a boundary, stating, “That looks like four, four to me.” But the third umpire, Joel Wilson, decided that Stokes had indeed saved the boundary, resulting in only two runs being awarded.
Hussain, like many viewers, expressed disbelief. Many felt that Ben Stokes, who had been so vocal about Australia’s alleged wrongdoing, should have admitted that it was a boundary.
The incident sparked outrage among many, including comedian Peter Helliar who questioned on Twitter why Ben Stokes didn’t call it a boundary in the “spirit of cricket.”
How did this not get given as 4? Cleary you see stokes left hand rest on boundary whilst ball still in hand. #ashes pic.twitter.com/b7Tz0VrxAD
— David Parker (@parkes_au) July 6, 2023
Former Australian cricketer Darren Berry was among those who echoed Helliar’s sentiments. He couldn’t fathom how the third umpire could get it wrong even with the technology at hand, calling the incident “just not good enough.”
In conclusion, this incident raises an important question: is it fair to preach about the ‘Spirit of the Game’ while disregarding it when it doesn’t suit one’s cause? Stokes’s actions during the game contrast starkly with his prior comments about fair play. This discrepancy underscores the importance of walking the talk, especially when it comes to upholding the integrity of a beloved sport like cricket.
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