In this article, we will discuss the Top 5 batting performances of Alec Stewart in ODIs. Alec Stewart was renowned for his elegant batting against fast bowlers, and showcased his prowess with memorable centuries, notably during England’s 1993-94 tour of Bridgetown. However, his vulnerability against spinners led to inconsistencies in his career. Stewart’s role as a wicketkeeper-batsman, frequently alternating with Jack Russell, caused imbalance in England’s team composition until he secured the primary wicketkeeping position.
As England captain, Stewart initially enjoyed success with a series win against South Africa in 1998, but his leadership style, driven more by passion than strategic acumen, faced scrutiny following poor performances in the Ashes and World Cup in 1999. Despite facing corruption allegations during the 2000-01 tour of Pakistan, Stewart persevered and continued to excel, becoming England’s most-capped Test cricketer in 2002. In addition to it, he was among the integral members of the ODI setup for the England Cricket Team. Stewart represented England in 170 matches and went on to score 4677 runs with four centuries to his name. Let us look at the top five best performances from the wicket-keeper batter in the limited overs format;
5. 97 runs vs Zimbabwe, 2000
The knock in the NatWest Series final by Stewart will go down as one of the best innings that the wicketkeeper batter has played in his ODI cricket. Chasing a target of 170 runs to win the finale, the England team were suffering at 2/9 but the opening batter Stewart assured that the England chase was never compromised. Stewart played and brilliant knock of 97 runs off 123 balls including 14 boundaries to his name.
4. 100 vs West Indies, 2000
In the same Natwest series, the wicketkeeper batter tried his utmost best to steer England home but eventually, the host fell short by just three runs. In the chase of just 196 runs to win, the West Indies bowling made the life of English batters a lot harder. However, it was just Stewart who kept on fighting his way for the England team. The wicketkeeper batter played a brilliant knock of 100 runs off 147 runs including 11 boundaries to his name.
3. 101 vs Zimbabwe, 2000
Another Natwest series star performance by the England batter. After opting to bat first the England team made the most of the batting conditions as Stewart scored a brilliant century. The star opening batter played a brilliant innings of 101 runs off 144 deliveries including eight boundaries. It was not only the batting but Stewart also contributed behind stumps as he picked up four catches. Hence, for his valiant effort, Stewart was also adjourned as the Player of the match.
2. 103 vs Pakistan, 1992
The 1992 Pakistan tour of England was very special for the wicketkeeper batter as he notched up his maiden ODI century. After opting to bat first, the star duo of Graham Gooch and Alec Stewart provided a solid start. However, Stewart held up one end and then went on to score his maiden century. He scored 103 runs off 145 with the help of ten boundaries to his name. It was courtesy of his performance which made me bag the Player of the Match award.
1. 116 vs India, 1997
The star England batter played the innings of his lifetime in the ODI format when he smashed a brilliant century against India in the first match of the Akai Singer Champions Trophy, in 1997. Batting first, it was courtesy of Stewart’s innings which made the difference and helped England win the game by seven runs. Stewart played a brilliant knock of 116 runs off just 111 balls including nine fours and one maximum. He was even adjourned as the player of the match for his brilliant innings.