The first Test between England and the West Indies has prominently featured retiring legend James Anderson and debutant Gus Atkinson, who impressed with his bowling in the first innings. Amidst these highlights, England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, made a significant mark in cricket history. Stokes joined an exclusive club of all-rounders who have accumulated over 6,000 runs and taken more than 200 wickets in Test cricket.
This elite group, now including Stokes, had only two members prior: Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis.
1. Ben Stokes
During the second innings of the current Test, Stokes secured his 200th wicket by dismissing Kirk McKenzie. As of July 11, 2024, Stokes has scored 6,320 runs, including 13 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a personal best of 258 against South Africa in January 2016. His bowling average stands at 31.75, while his batting average is 35.31. Achieving this milestone in just 103 matches, Stokes is considered one of the finest all-rounders in Test cricket, having overcome numerous injuries to deliver crucial performances for his team.
2. Garfield Sobers
Joining Stokes in this distinguished group is the legendary West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers. Sobers finished his illustrious career with 8,032 runs and 235 wickets in 93 Tests, only 10 fewer than Stokes. Known for his impressive batting average of 57.78, Sobers also recorded 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. With the ball, he achieved six five-wicket hauls and eight four-wicket hauls, averaging 34.03. Sobers reached the 6,000-run milestone in 111 matches, the second fastest to do so.
3. Jacues Kallis
The third member of this esteemed trio is South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis. Kallis is celebrated for his long and successful career in both Test and one-day cricket. In 166 Test matches, he amassed 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37, placing him behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting in the all-time runs list. Kallis scored 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries. As a bowler, he took 292 wickets with an average of 32.65, including five five-wicket hauls and seven four-wicket hauls.
Together, these three all-rounders represent the pinnacle of versatility and excellence in Test cricket, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport with their remarkable achievements.
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