England skipper Ben Stokes has downplayed the significance of his upcoming 100th Test landmark. He expressed that every test match is important and 100 is just a number. The all-rounder will achieve the landmark on Thursday, February 15 in the third Test against India at Rajkot.
England returned to India for the third Test. after a week-long break in Abu Dhabi. As Ben Stokes gears up to lead them at Rajkot, he will become the 16th player from England to play 100 Test matches. He will become the 76th overall to achieve this feat. The England skipper expressed gratitude for the opportunities over the years. He said as quoted by BBC,
“Every Test is just as important as the next one. Then there’s the next one, which will be 101 – it’s just one more. It’s a sign of longevity, but 99, 100 or 101 doesn’t make much difference. It’s just a number. I don’t want it to sound like I’m not thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, but with milestones, it’s not done until it’s done.”
Ben Stokes on resuming bowling
England skipper Ben Stokes further expressed that he has started bowling in the nets. However, he would refrain from doing so in the ongoing Test series in India. He underwent surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup and has played as a batter in the Test series in India.
“We don’t have a plan with where I go with my intensity. It’s just how I feel at the time, but also not getting too far ahead. The rest of my body has to get up to speed with bowling and this was another step forward,” said Ben Stokes.
Ben Stokes has played 99 Test matches for England so far, scoring 6251 runs at an average of 36.34, with 13 centuries. He has also taken 197 wickets in the format, including four five-wicket hauls.
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