(Source X)
Ben Stokes, the captain of the England cricket team, was honored on Thursday (July 11) with a commemorative award for achieving the significant milestone of 100 Test matches. Earlier this year, Stokes reached this impressive feat during England’s five-match Test series against India, with the third Test in Rajkot marking his 100th appearance. He now joins an esteemed group as the 16th England player to enter the exclusive 100-Test club.
During a ceremony before the start of the second day’s play in the current first Test against West Indies at Lord’s, Stokes was presented with a special Silver Cap to mark this career milestone. This match is his 103rd Test overall. Throughout his Test career thus far, Stokes has amassed 6316 runs and taken 199 wickets, solidifying his reputation as a premier all-rounder in the longest format of the game.
Among England’s cricketers, the New Zealand-born all-rounder ranks 13th in terms of the most Test appearances. Topping this list is his teammate James Anderson, who is set to retire from Test cricket after the current match. Anderson’s illustrious career spans 188 Test matches, a feat surpassed only by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the history of Test cricket.
Payers with the most Test appearances for England along with their career statistics:
– James Anderson: 188 matches, 1353 runs, 701 wickets
– Stuart Broad: 167 matches, 3662 runs, 604 wickets
– Alastair Cook: 161 matches, 12472 runs, 1 wicket
– Joe Root: 141 matches, 11751 runs, 68 wickets
– Alec Stewart: 133 matches, 8463 runs, 0 wickets
– Ian Bell: 118 matches, 7727 runs, 1 wicket
– Graham Gooch: 118 matches, 8900 runs, 23 wickets
– David Gower: 117 matches, 8231 runs, 1 wicket
– Michael Atherton: 115 matches, 7728 runs, 2 wickets
– Colin Cowdrey: 114 matches, 7624 runs, 0 wickets
– Geoff Boycott: 108 matches, 8114 runs, 7 wickets
– Kevin Pietersen: 104 matches, 8181 runs, 10 wickets
– Ben Stokes: 103 matches, 6316 runs, 199 wickets
England has asserted its dominance in the ongoing Test match against West Indies. Opting to bowl first, the hosts swiftly bundled out West Indies for a mere 121 runs on day one. Debutant Gus Atkinson shone brightly, claiming a record-equalling 7 wickets on debut, supported by contributions from Anderson, Stokes, and Chris Woakes who each secured one wicket.
In response, England closed the day in a commanding position at 189 for 3, bolstered by solid performances from Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, both of whom notched up half-centuries. Crawley led the charge with 76 runs, while Pope contributed 57 runs to the total. Captain Joe Root (15) and Harry Brook (25) stood firm at stumps, ensuring England’s grip on the match as they look to build on their substantial first innings lead.
