The Folded Finger Gesture: The Touching Story Behind Ben Stokes' Hand Gesture

fThere is absolutely no stopping Ben Stokes at the moment. With every passing game, he is further bolstering his image of being the best allrounder in the world. The England allrounder had a stunning 2019 during which he was the catalyst for England’s victory in the World Cup final and followed that up by playing one of the all-time great Test innings in the third Ashes Test against Australia.

And the England superstar has started 2020 in the same manner. Ben Stokes put up an incredible all round display as England beat South Africa by 189 runs in the second Test in Cape Town and draw level in the four-match series. Ben Stokes impressed with bat, ball as well as his fielding as he turned out to be the difference in the thrilling contest.

Also Read: ‘F***ing k******d!’: Jos Buttler Launches Stunning X-Rated Rant At Vernon Philander: Watch

After failing to do well with the bat in the first innings, he picked up a record five slip catches and added another in the second innings. In addition to that, he smashed a 47-ball 72 with the bat in the second innings, paving the way for the tourists’ declaration on the fourth day. On the final day of the match, he made the difference with the ball by picking up the last three wickets.

With England needing three wickets in the final hour, Ben Stokes dismissed Dwaine Pretorius and Anrich Nortje in successive deliveries before wrapping up the win by taking the wicket of Vernon Philander with less than 9 overs remaining.

The special gesture:

After the game finished in Cape Town, Ben Stokes was once again seen coming up with his unique hand gesture in which he had his middle-finger folded. That was not the first time, the England allrounder had shown that hand gesture but very few know the reason behind it. The gesture is Ben Stokes’ way of giving a tribute to his father Ged.

Stokes senior, who was a rugby player, had to chop off part of his middle finger so he could continue playing rugby league as he couldn’t afford to stop for an operation. And thus Ben Stokes makes sure to give his tribute to his father whenever he gets the opportunity. Meanwhile, Stokes’ father is in a stable condition after being hospitalised just two days before Christmas.

A once in a generation cricketer. And he's ours.

No words left @benstokes38 ??? pic.twitter.com/PgjxGOegip

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 7, 2020

FYI Stokes makes this sign for his dad who chopped off part of his middle finger so he could continue playing rugby league as he couldn’t afford to stop for an operation. Ged is currently in a Jo’burg hospital https://t.co/uBuarAgNFY pic.twitter.com/aMRqXTThzR

— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) January 7, 2020