Ben Stokes in 2019 Ashes. (Photo Source: ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP via Getty Images)
The first Test between England and West Indies became monumental for the England captain, Ben Stokes, as he was felicitated with a silver cap for completing 100 Tests. He reached the feat during the Rajkot Test against India and was felicitated back home after a gap of three games.
Moreover, he also became the only 18th English player to don the blue cap in more than 100 games. Apart from this he also joined the stalwarts statistically.
Stokes joined the ranks of Jacques Kallis and Garfield Sobers only to have achieved the feat of 6000 runs and 200 wickets. the legendary allrounder is the first player from England to achieve this milestone and only the third all-rounder around the globe.
The Christchurch-born reached the landmark in his 103rd Test match with 6,320 runs and 200 wickets. West Indian stalwart Sir Gary Sobers (Garfield Sobers) appeared in 93 Test matches, whereby he scored 8,032 runs and took 235 wickets during his illustrious career. While the South African legend Jacques Kallis had 3,289 runs and 292 wickets to his name from 166 Test appearances.
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I can finally say that I can play the role that I’ve been known for: Stokes
When the England all-rounder Ben Stokes dismissed Kirk McKenzie in the first Test, he also joined another elite list of players with 10000 runs and 300 wickets in international cricket. The elite list bears the names of players such as Carl Hooper, Sanath Jayasuriya, Jacques Kallis, Shahid Afridi, and Shakib Al Hasan. The southpaw however did not bowl much during the India series and only regularised bowling in the fourth and fifth Test.
Also Read: Ben Stokes felicitated by ECB with silver cap for completing 100 Tests
“I can finally say that I can play the role that I’ve been known for, for 10 years, which is batting and being that fourth seamer. I’ve worked very, very hard to get into this position and I know how much me as that fourth seamer adds to the team. I’m really excited to get going this week,” Stokes has said ahead of West Indies series.