Ben Stokes is one of the most explosive all-rounders in world cricket today. He is a force to be reckoned with in all three formats of the game. Stokes’ performances have been instrumental in England’s success in the recent past, and he is widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world. In this article, we will take a look at the top 7 innings of Ben Stokes in Test cricket.
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1. 258 vs South Africa (2016)
This was one of the most brutal Test innings in history, comparable to the one played by Wasim Akram a few years before him. England batted first in this match, and Ben Stokes came out at number 6 and went after South Africa’s bowling from the first ball.
Stokes’ innings of 258 came in the first innings of the match, in response to South Africa’s total of 627. Coming in at number six with England struggling at 223-5, Stokes put on a 399-run partnership with Jonny Bairstow, which was then the highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test cricket history.
During his innings, Stokes faced 198 deliveries and smashed 30 fours and 11 sixes, hitting the South African bowlers all around the park. His innings was characterized by a combination of aggression, power, and excellent shot selection.
Stokes eventually fell to Kagiso Rabada, caught behind by Quinton de Kock, but not before he had helped England to a commanding total of 629-6 declared. The match ultimately ended in a draw, but Stokes’ innings will be remembered as one of the greatest in Test cricket history, and a testament to his immense talent as an all-rounder.
2. 135* vs Australia (2019)
The 135* innings refers to the heroic knock played by Ben Stokes in the third Ashes Test match of the 2019 series, held at Headingley in Leeds, England.
Chasing a daunting target of 359 runs set by Australia, England were struggling at 286-9 when Ben Stokes walked in to bat. With England needing 73 more runs to win, Stokes took charge of the innings and played an unbelievable knock that will be remembered for years to come.
Stokes played with incredible skill and composure, and his innings was characterized by some of the most audacious shots in the history of Test cricket. He combined powerful hitting with delicate touches, and constantly put the Australian bowlers under pressure.
Stokes was involved in a tense last-wicket partnership with Jack Leach, where he took most of the strike and scored almost all the runs. He hit eight sixes and 11 fours in his unbeaten innings of 135 runs, and single-handedly led England to a thrilling victory, scoring the winning runs with a boundary through the covers.
Stokes’ innings will be remembered as one of the greatest in Test cricket history, and one that helped England to level the series at 1-1. It was also the highest successful run-chase in Ashes history, and one that will be talked about for many years to come.
3. 176 and 78* vs West Indies (2020)
In July 2020, England hosted the West Indies for a three-match Test series, and in the second Test of the series, Ben Stokes played one of the greatest all-round performances in Test cricket history.
In the first innings, Stokes came in to bat when England were struggling at 81-3, and proceeded to play an incredible innings of 176 runs. He faced 356 balls, hitting 17 fours and two sixes, and shared a vital partnership of 260 runs with opener Dom Sibley. His innings helped England to post a massive total of 469 in their first innings.
In the second innings, England were again in trouble at 37-2, but Stokes once again stepped up to the plate, scoring an unbeaten 78* off just 57 balls. His innings included four fours and three sixes, and it helped England to declare on 129-3, setting the West Indies an improbable target of 312 runs to win.
In addition to his incredible batting performance, Stokes also played a crucial role with the ball, taking three wickets in the match, including the prized scalp of West Indies captain Jason Holder.
Stokes’ all-round heroics helped England to win the match by 113 runs, and also helped him to win the Player of the Match award. It was a performance that cemented his reputation as one of the world’s best all-rounders and one that will be remembered for years to come.
4. 6/22 vs West Indies (2017)
This is Ben Stokes’ fourth five-wicket haul in test cricket, and it came at Lord’s and against the West Indies, resulting in a good win for England.
Stokes produced a superb display of swing bowling, taking six wickets for just 22 runs in 14.3 overs in the second innings of the match. His spell was instrumental in England winning the match by nine wickets and he was named the Player of the Match for his performance.
Stokes was unplayable on that day, swinging the ball both ways and regularly beating the batsmen. He dismissed top-order batsmen Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell and Shai Hope in quick succession to put England in a commanding position. He then took the wickets of Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich and Kemar Roach to finish off the innings.
Stokes’ bowling performance was one of the best in recent memory and demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure. He remains one of England’s most important all-rounders and his performance at Lord’s in 2017 will be remembered as one of his finest moments in Test cricket.
5. 120 vs Australia – Perth, December 2013
On the third day of the Perth Test during the 2013-14 Ashes series, Ben Stokes played an unforgettable innings that would make him a household name in England cricket. After Australia had set a daunting target of 504 runs in the fourth innings, Stokes walked out to bat at number six with England struggling at 131/4.
Stokes, just 22 years old at the time, showed incredible resolve and fearlessness to take on Australia’s formidable bowling attack. He played with a mix of aggression and caution, hitting some audacious shots while also defending resolutely when required. He found an able partner in Ian Bell, and the two put on a partnership of 99 runs to keep England’s hopes of salvaging a draw alive.
Stokes’ innings was full of stunning shots, including some impressive pull shots off Mitchell Johnson, who was bowling with great pace and aggression. He also showed his ability to play spin by taking on Nathan Lyon, hitting him for a huge six over long-on.
Stokes was eventually dismissed for 120, but his innings had given England a glimmer of hope. Although they ultimately fell short of the target, Stokes’ performance earned him widespread praise and cemented his place in the England team.
The innings was also significant for Stokes personally, as he had lost his father just a few months earlier. He later dedicated the innings to his father, saying it was the proudest moment of his life.
Overall, Stokes’ innings of 120 in Perth was a remarkable display of skill, courage, and determination, and it remains one of the standout performances by an England batsman in recent years.
6. 128 vs India – Rajkot, November 2016
In the first Test of England’s tour of India in November 2016, Ben Stokes produced a masterful innings of 128 to help England set a challenging total in the first innings.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, England were struggling at 102/3 when Stokes walked out to the crease. He played with great poise and aggression, hitting some delightful shots to put the Indian bowlers under pressure. He formed a crucial partnership with Joe Root, with the two putting on 161 runs for the fourth wicket.
Stokes’ innings was a mixture of power and finesse. He played some ferocious shots against the spinners, including a massive six over long-on off Ravindra Jadeja. He also showed his ability to play defensively, grinding out runs when required and frustrating the Indian bowlers.
Stokes eventually fell for 128, but his innings had given England a solid foundation to build on. The total of 537 proved too much for India to chase down, with the match ultimately ending in a draw.
Stokes’ performance was widely praised by commentators and fans, with many hailing it as one of the best innings played by an England batsman in India. It was also a sign of things to come, as Stokes would go on to become one of England’s most reliable and explosive all-rounders in the years that followed.
7. 101 vs New Zealand – Lord’s, May 2015
In May 2015, Ben Stokes played a crucial innings of 101 against New Zealand in the first Test match of the series at Lord’s. Coming in to bat with England in trouble at 30/4, Stokes showed great resilience and skill to lead a fightback.
Stokes played with great determination and aggression, hitting some powerful shots to put the pressure back on the New Zealand bowlers. He formed a crucial partnership with Joe Root, with the two putting on 161 runs for the fifth wicket.
Stokes’ innings was full of impressive strokes, including some trademark pull shots and drives through the covers. He showed a great ability to rotate the strike and put away bad deliveries.
Stokes eventually fell for 101, but his innings had given England a fighting chance in the match. The innings was widely praised by commentators and fans, with many hailing it as one of the best Test innings played by an England batsman in recent times.
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Ben Stokes has established himself as one of the most exciting all-rounders in modern cricket, and his performances in Test cricket have been nothing short of sensational. Stokes has played several match-winning innings in Test cricket, often against the toughest opponents and in the most challenging conditions.
From his stunning innings of 258 against South Africa in 2016 to his unbeaten 135 against Australia in 2019, Stokes has repeatedly shown his ability to perform when it matters most. He has also played crucial innings against India and New Zealand, showcasing his skills against some of the best bowling attacks in the world.
Whether it’s his fearless aggression or his resolute defence, Stokes has proved time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket. His innings have been instrumental in many of England’s most memorable victories in recent years, and he remains a key player for the team.
Overall, Stokes’ top seven innings in Test cricket have cemented his place in the pantheon of great all-rounders, and his performances will continue to inspire and delight fans of the game for years to come.
