Ben Stokes catch: Watch England all-rounder acrobatically pluck ball out of the sky against South Africa

Ben Stokes took a brilliant catch near the boundary to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo

Ben Stokes took a sensational catch during England's Cricket World Cup opener against South Africa at the Oval, described by the former England captain Nasser Hussain on commentary as "one of the greatest catches of all time".

Stokes had the packed crowd on its feet following the brilliant take, as he ran back towards the boundary before leaping in the air to pull off a one-handed catch and remove Andile Phehlukwayo, with the ball heading for a six.

The catch, off Adil Rashid's bowling, pushed England closer to victory, leaving South Africa 180 for seven after England had posted 311.

And England went on to close out the match, winning by 104 runs with Stokes aptly clinching the final wicket, having earlier top scored with 89 with the bat.

Deservedly, Stokes was awarded the man-of-the-match award, but it was the one particular moment to dismiss Phehlukwayo that really ignited the Cricket World Cup.

Watch the video above to see Ben Stokes' brilliant catch.

“I was actually in the wrong position,” said Stokes. “It would have been a regular catch if I was in the right place, but it’s one of those that either sticks or doesn’t.

“The crowd’s reaction behind me was pretty awesome. I just tried to take that in as much as I could. I bowled the next over and Morgs [England captain Eoin Morgan] had to come to me and ask if everything was alright, if my heart rate had gone down. Things like that catch do get you fizzed up.”