The first Test may have not gone according to plan for Ben Stokes, but he has bounced back in the second. The 2019 ICC cricketer of the year has now become part of an elite list of all-rounders.
Stokes played a majestic knock of 176 in the first innings of the 2nd Test against West Indies and registered his 10th Test match hundred. On the other hand, the England all-rounder reached 150 wickets in the longest format in the game at Southampton in the first Test.
Ben Stokes joins an elite list of all-rounders
Ben Stokes is now part of an illustrious list of all-rounder that has scored 4000 runs and has taken 150 wickets and have 10 tons in Test cricket. Before Stokes, only 3 more all-rounders have achieved this remarkable feat. Gary Sobers, Ian Botham, Jacques Kallis and now Ben Stokes are the only ones to achieve this milestone.
Here is a breakdown of the record for all the all-rounders
4000 runs + 10 centuries + 150 wickets (Tests)
Garry Sobers 8032+26+235 (93)
Ian Botham 5200+14+383 (102)
Jacques Kallis 13289+45+292 (166)
Ben Stokes 4248+10+153 (65*)
The English all-rounder is currently at the peak of his powers in all formats of the game. He played an integral role in the World Cup final and helped England lift the trophy for the very first time. In Test cricket, he has been simply unstoppable and has dominated the format with both bat and ball. Currently, in 2020, Stokes now has the most Test runs as well as most wickets in the year.
Meanwhile, England are currently comfortably placed in the match courtesy of fine centuries by Dom Sibley and Ben Stokes. They piled up 469 runs before declaring the first innings. West Indies are currently at 32 for the loss of one wicket at the end of day two. The hosts lost the first Test at Southampton against West Indies but are now bossing the match at Old Trafford.