In the modern era of Test cricket, Ben Stokes will be remembered for much more than just his all-round abilities. He was often the man England called on when the going got tough and played with both bat and ball in an astounding career of international cricket.
Stokes officially ended his international career when the match with NZ ended at Trent Bridge. During his more than 15 memorable years he established a reputation for his match-winning performances under pressure, while resetting several records.
Here are the five superlatives that encapsulate his mythical Test career.
1. Experience Test Cricket’s greatest six-hitter
Ben Stokes has revolutionized a new concept on aggressive batting in the longest format. The left-hander soared over the boundary 138 times in his Test career, the most by any batter in the history of the game.
His game of fearlessness was of cricket that allowed him to attack the game even in the toughest form of the game.
2. To reach the milestone of 250 runs and become the fastest towards the 250-run mark.
One of Stokes’ greatest innings came against South Africa in 2016, where he reached 250 runs in just 196 deliveries.
No player has ever done it sooner in Test cricket, and one of the most impressive displays of attacking cricket in the format.
3. A player from Team 1 has the highest test score.The team 1 player with the highest test score.
Stokes scored a tremendous 258 at No. 6, the highest score ever from that wicket in Test cricket.
His knock proved to be a display of not just power, but also patience and concentration in building an innings of marathon duration under difficult conditions.
4. Ashes Heroics That Entered Cricket Folklore
The innings of which Stokes is remembered are his unbeaten 135 at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes.
He created one of the best successful chase to win runs run in Test cricket as England were on the verge of losing. He also found himself the only man in modern Test cricket with three centuries in his first four innings at Australia, a testament to his uncanny knack for scoring when it mattered most.
5. One of the most rare All-Round Excellence – Captain
Stokes was more than just a destructive hitter. He regularly changed matches with the ball as well.
In modern Test cricket, only he has been able to score a century and pick up five wickets in the same match, which is just one indication of his comprehensive all-round performance.
The career of a batsman who transformed English Test cricket.The story of a batsman who revolutionised English Test cricket.
The stats are just part of the Ben Stokes tale. His aggressive leadership, fearless attitude and performances in deciding moments changed England’s attitude towards Test cricket.
He played on the biggest moments, whether making impossible run chases or changing partnerships with the ball or inspiring others with his never-say-never attitude.
His retirement marks one of the best eras in England’s cricket history, but the tales and memories he has amassed will serve as inspiration for generations to come.
