The inspiring story behind Stokes’ folded finger celebration
Image : Collected
|| Desk Report ||
England all-rounder Ben Stokes slammed his tenth Test century on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against West Indies and was seen celebrating with a folded finger.
England mercurial all-rounder Ben Stokes has been one of the best cricketers for England in the last few years. Stokes has been doing it all from bailing his team out under pressure situations with the bat to bowling crucial spells with the ball.
The ongoing Test series against West Indies has been no different for the star all-rounder, who has been the stand-out performer for his side so far in the ongoing second Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Stokes notched up his 10th Test hundred on Day 2 of the second Test on Friday - his first ton in England. The all-rounder slammed 176 off 356 deliveries to propel the hosts to a strong total of 469/9 in their first innings along with opener Dominic Sibley, who scored a gritty 120 off 370 balls.
Stokes and Sibley posted a formidable 260-run stand for the fourth wicket to ensure England had an edge over the visitors by the end of second day's play. While Sibley put a price on his wicket on one end, Stokes changed gears after reaching his hundred and went after the West Indies bowlers.
The all-rounder, who also captained England in the first Test in Joe Root's absence, was seen making a gesture with his fingers while celebrating his century.
After reaching the triple-figure mark, Stokes took off his helmet and made a gesture by folding the middle finger of his left hand. There is an inspiring story behind Stokes’ unique celebration which is related to his father Ged Stokes - a former Rugby player from New Zealand who came to England with his son to work as a rugby coach.
Stokes' father Ged Stokes had developed a problem with his finger during his professional rugby career due to numerous dislocations and other injuries. The doctors advised him to undergo an operation which required him to stay away from the game.
However, Ged Stokes decided to get his finger amputated to continue playing. Stokes’ folded finger celebration is a tribute to his father, who made a lot of sacrifices to let his son realise his dream of playing for England. Stokes was spotted doing a similar celebration during the Test series against South Africa in January this year.
His father was hospitalized then, undergoing treatment in South Africa. He was discharged from hospital earlier this year after recovering fully
