Ben Stokes, the charismatic England captain, has etched his name in the history books of Test cricket. On Day 2 of the opening Tests, Stokes became only the third cricketer ever to achieve the remarkable feat of scoring over 6,000 runs and taking more than 200 wickets in his Test career.
This landmark achievement came during the ongoing Lord’s Test against the West Indies. Stokes, known for his all-around brilliance, dismissed Kirk McKenzie for a duck. It was a superb inswinging delivery by him, trapping the Windies batter in front of the stumps. Remarkably, it was also his 100th wicket on home soil.
| Player | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Stokes* | 6320 | 201 |
| Sir Gary Sobers | 8032 | 235 |
| Jacques Kallis | 13,289 | 292 |
Stokes joins an illustrious club, following in the footsteps of legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis. Sobers, the West Indian great, amassed a staggering 8,032 runs with a phenomenal average of 57.78, while also taking 235 wickets. Kallis, the South African maestro, stands tall with 292 wickets and a mind-boggling 13,289 runs at an average exceeding 55.
While Stokes’ current run tally stands at 6,320, a significant distance behind these giants, his bowling prowess is undeniable. His exceptional average of 31.99 speaks volumes about his effectiveness with the ball.
A gem cricketer for England – Stokes!
Stokes’ impact extends beyond personal milestones. Since his appointment as captain in June 2022, he has spearheaded a revolution in Test cricket with his aggressive “Bazball” approach. This philosophy, emphasizing a more attacking style of play, has inspired teams worldwide to adopt a more proactive approach in the longest format.
Currently, England hold a commanding position in the Lord’s Test. After bowling out the West Indies for a mere 121 in the first innings, they are firmly in control, with the Windies needing a mammoth 232 runs to avoid defeat.
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