The all-rounder came in when England were wobbling but his calm assurance set up a big total and then he took a wonder catch and the last two South Africa wickets
According to the ICC the average age of people who have bought tickets for this World Cup is 40, but one would never have known it on Thursday morning. It felt as ife there were 25,000 children spilling out of the tube stations and pouring up Harleyford Road towards the Oval.
Everyone who cares feels a bit like a little kid again on days such as this, especially now England have a team worth getting childishly excited about. So the stands rang with that very particular sound, unique to a cricket ground, the happy chitter‑chatter of people who have escaped adult life for the day and are waiting for the start of play.
Related: Stokes and Archer star as England beat South Africa in Cricket World Cup
Ben Stokes’s feat joins a long list of contenders for the title. Among English cricket’s other finest recent catches:
Paul Collingwood
England v Australia, third ODI, Jun 2005
As Matthew Hayden produces a powerful cut, Collingwood soars high, arched back, and holds the ball tight. Hailed as one of the best catches of all time.