England on Tuesday created history by defeating New Zealand at the Trent Bridge cricket ground when the hosts achieved the target of 299 runs in just 50 overs. The star of the match was Jonny Bairstow, who smashed a quickfire century by scoring the second-fastest ever Test century by an English cricketer. Bairstow was made from just 92 runs with his knock including seven huge sixes and 14 boundaries. The highlight of the last day’s play was also Alex Lees, who made 44 runs but earned plaudits for stopping the play to save the life of a ladybird, who had appeared next to the stumps.
Lees was batting at 30 when he stopped the play just before taking the guard. He stretched his palm onto the rough patch of the pitch for a small insect to climb on his hand. Lees walked away from the crease and gently allowed the insect to crawl onto the grass. A close view of the insect revealed that it was a ladybird.
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain, who was commentating on the game, showered praises on Lees for displaying the humane side of his personality.
The topic also generated plenty of buzz on social media where cricket fans were seen commenting on the development.
One wrote, “Alex Lees saving a ladybird at the crease. Evolutionary speaking, it is a step backwards for a ladybird to associate with a cricket.”
Another commented, “Lovely to see Alex Lees rescuing a ladybird during his innings. What a nice man.”
“Great to see Alex Lees, chasing a target of 299, but saving a ladybird from the crease,” wrote another fan on Twitter.
One fan wrote, “Alex Lees just saved a ladybird on the crease and he’s now my favourite son.” Another fan called him ‘England’s very own Dr Dolittle’ when he wrote, “Alex Lees `takes off his gloves and rescues a ladybird which has placed itself in front of the crease. England’s very own Dr Dolittle.”