Ben Stokes will achieve the milestone of playing 100 Test matches when England will take the field against India in the third Test match to be played at Rajkot from 15th February onwards.
Before this test match, he played many brilliant knocks in the Test format which helped the England team register some memorable wins. He would look to create an impact in the milestone test match and help his country take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Here we look at the 5 iconic innings by Ben Stokes ahead of the 100th Test match:
- England vs Australia- 2013
Ben Stokes played his debut Test series in the 2013 Ashes. England suffered a 0-5 whitewash against Australia in the 2013/14 Ashes series down under. It was a disappointing performance by England’s side as they struggled against Mitchell Johnson who created havoc with his top-quality pace bowling.
Ben Stokes was the only positive that emerged from the Test series. He came up with his maiden Test century during the second innings of the 3rd match at WACA, Perth. Chasing massive 504 runs, Stokes showed his character with 120 off 195 balls with 18 boundaries and 1 six. England lost the match badly by 150 runs.
- England vs New Zealand-2015
Stokes proved his worth with brilliant knocks in both innings during his 10th Test match. England looked in deep trouble during the first innings at 30 for 4 in the first test at Lords. He played with an attacking approach putting enough pressure on New Zealand bowlers and helped England post 389 runs.
Stokes came up with another special knock with a quickfire 101 off 92 balls with 15 fours and 3 sixes that helped England post 478 runs in the second innings. England won the match comfortably by 124 runs. For his 92 and 101, Stokes was named the player of the match award.
- England vs South Africa- 2016
Ben Stokes demonstrated brilliant batting skills with a breathtaking knock against South Africa played at Newlands, Cape Town from 2nd January 2016 onwards. Coming at 167 for 4, Stokes showed his class smashing South African bowlers all over the park.
He played with an attacking approach remaining not out on 258 off 198 balls with 30 fours and 11 sixes that helped England post a massive total of 629 for 6. In reply, South Africa posted 627 for 7. The match ended in a draw.
For his brilliant knock, Ben Stokes was named the player of the match. It is his highest Test score to date.
- Eng vs Australia- 2023
Ben Stokes led from the front with a superb knock in the 2nd innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match against England played at Lords. Chasing 371 runs, England looked down and out putting as they lost 4 quick wickets.
Stokes came up with a stunning innings as they lost the wickets of Duckett and Bairstow. He showed his hitting abilities that put pressure on Aussie’s bowling. It was a brilliant innings as Stokes scored 155 off 214 balls with 9 fours and 9 sixes.
England eventually lost the match by 43 runs as they conceded a 0-2 lead in the 2023 Ashes series.
- England vs Australia- 2019
Ben Stokes played one of his most memorable knocks in Test history during the 2019 Ashes test match played at Headingley, Leeds. Chasing 359 runs to win, Stokes played cautiously before England kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Stokes came up with a stunning knock putting Aussies bowlers under pressure. He smashed an unbeaten 135 off 219 balls with 11 fours and 8 sixes. Stokes hit the winning runs and helped England register a memorable 1-wicket win. Stokes and Leach added 76 runs for the final wicket.
For his match-winning effort, Stokes was named the player of the match award. He bowled with great heart in the 2nd innings.
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