• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 07/12/2024
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The first Test between England and the West Indies marked a monumental occasion for England captain Ben Stokes. During this match, Stokes was felicitated with a silver cap for completing 100 Test matches, a feat he initially reached during the Rajkot Test against India but was officially celebrated back home after a gap of three games.

Joining the Elite

Stokes has now joined an elite group of cricketing legends. He became the 18th English player to don the blue cap in over 100 games. More impressively, Stokes joined the ranks of Jacques Kallis and Sir Garfield Sobers’ ranks by scoring 6,000 runs and taking 200 wickets in Test cricket. This achievement makes Stokes the first player from England to reach this milestone and only the third all-rounder globally.

Ben Stokes becomes just the third player after Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis to achieve the double of 6000 runs and 200 wickets in Test cricket 🫡#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/bT04C65Vcb

— ICC (@ICC) July 11, 2024

The Christchurch-born all-rounder reached this landmark in his 103rd Test match, boasting 6,320 runs and 200 wickets. Sir Gary Sobers, the West Indian stalwart, played in 93 Test matches, amassing 8,032 runs and 235 wickets during his illustrious career. South African legend Jacques Kallis recorded 13,289 runs and 292 wickets from 166 Test appearances.

Ben Stokes’ Versatility

When Ben Stokes dismissed Kirk McKenzie in the first Test, he also joined another elite list of players with 10,000 runs and 300 wickets in international cricket. This list includes cricketing greats like Carl Hooper, Sanath Jayasuriya, Jacques Kallis, Shahid Afridi, and Shakib Al Hasan. Although Stokes did not bowl much during the series against India, he resumed his bowling duties more regularly in the fourth and fifth Tests.

Reflecting on his role and achievements, Stokes said, “I can finally say that I can play the role that I’ve been known for, for 10 years, which is batting and being that fourth seamer. I’ve worked very, very hard to get into this position and I know how much me as that fourth seamer adds to the team. I’m really excited to get going this week.”

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As England prepares for the ongoing series against the West Indies, Ben Stokes’ contributions with both bat and ball are anticipated to be crucial. His ability to perform in dual roles as a top-order batsman and a reliable seamer adds significant depth to the team.