When Liam Thomas lost his artificial leg while fielding, he didn’t expect it to become an overnight internet sensation, but now he’s hoping his unexpected fame will help bring the sport of disability cricket some additional publicity.

In an interview with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), he explained he didn’t even realise his prosthetic had fallen off until he went to stand up after saving the boundary.

The 22-year-old, who plays for England Physical Disability, said he’s found all the media attention “overwhelming”.

“Hopefully the clip will spark an interest in our sport,” Thomas said. He added that he not only wants to help more people with disabilities find a sport they love, but also to prove that disability sport is played at a high level.

Thomas, who was born with an underdeveloped right leg and later underwent an amputation, also talked openly about living with his disability. He revealed that playing cricket has helped him develop a sense of belonging.

“I feel like I can be myself when I am with the team. I don’t feel any anxiety,” he added.

The team has recently played in the ICC Academy Dubai invitational T20 tournament for people with physical disability, facing opponents Bangladesh and Pakistan. They reached the final but lost to Pakistan by three wickets in a gripping deciding match.

Budding cricketers may now be inspired, both by Thomas’ efforts and his team’s performance in the recent tournament, to hit the cricket practise nets to hone their bowling and batting skills before joining their local team on the pitch.