Footage of Gomersal player Thomas goes viral on web

A video involving Gomersal CC's Liam Thomas has been seen by millions of people across the world after footage of him in action for England's Physical Disability (PD) side went viral this week.
England PD cricketer Liam Thomas batting for former club Scholes.England PD cricketer Liam Thomas batting for former club Scholes.
England PD cricketer Liam Thomas batting for former club Scholes.

The Hunsworth cricketer was fielding in a Twenty20 game against Pakistan last week when his prosthetic leg came unattached.

Thomas made a diving stop close to the boundary when the artificial leg came loose.

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Thomas went on to retrieve the ball on one leg before throwing it back in and the incredible feat soon went viral.

The BBC showed footage during Sunday’s breakfast sports bulletin and the video also reached CNN, ABC, Fox Sports and ESPN in countries including Australia, America and Sweden, while several national newspapers carried the story.

Thomas played 17 times for Gomersal in the All Rounder Bradford League last season and although he is usually a wicketkeeper/batsman, he was not behind the stumps when playing for England’s PD side in the final of the ICC Academy Dubai Invitational T20 last week.

Thomas, who also had a spell playing for Scholes, scored a half century in a man-of-the-match performance as England defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in the opening match of the tournament but his magnificent effort in the field proved in vain as England lost the final by three wickets.

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The ECB praised Thomas’s efforts, while a host of county cricketers and clubs took to social media, along with Cricket Sweden to commend his superb commitment.

Retired Nottinghamshire and England batsman James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) led tributes, saying: “This is incredible!! Proper commitment!! #NeverGiveUp #NoExcuses #Respect.”

Gloucestershire’s Benny Howell (@BennyHowell510) tweeted the video and commented: @sharpfocus_tv @LMThomas7 whenever you feel uninspired... Watch this. #Incredible #nevergiveup #inspiration.”

England cricket tweeted their 315,000 followers the video and added: “Need some #mondaymotivation? Enter @LMThomas7...”

Watch the video: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/disability-sport/37818594

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