England have bounced back in the three-match series against West Indies after facing the defeat in the first Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The hosts have managed to dominate sessions in the second Test even after losing the toss.
On Day 1, England all-rounder Ben Stokes, and opening batsman Dom Sibley outshined the Caribbean bowlers. A similar story was seen on Day 2 as well. Both Stokes and Sibley kept on scoring runs and troubling the West Indies bowlers.
Sibley slammed his second Test century right before the announcement of lunch-break, and Stokes remained unbeaten on 99. But as soon as the second session kicked-off, the Christchurch-born registered history when he smashed his Test career’s 10th century.
Stokes became the second England and fourth overall cricketer to reach in an elite club of those batters who have scored 400-plus runs, 10 centuries, and taken 150+ wickets in the longest format of the game.
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*)
After scoring the ton, Stokes was seen celebrating the achievement in his traditional style by bending the middle finger. The 29-year-old makes this sign to pay tribute to his dad who chopped off part of his middle finger so he could continue playing rugby league as he couldn’t afford to stop for an operation.
STOKESYYYYY!!! 💯
Scorecard/Videos: https://t.co/FwpfEkdrB5#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/aIQf847cJ2
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 17, 2020
India legend Sachin Tendulkar also didn’t miss the opportunity to appreciate both Stokes and Sibley for their magnificent performance in the second Test.
“Partnership stitched up between @DomSibley & @benstokes to bail out England from a tricky position. They both applied themselves very well & have batted patiently to shift the balance in this Test. It has been a great battle between bat & ball in the 1st session. #ENGvWI” tweeted Tendulkar.
👏🏻 partnership stitched up between @DomSibley & @benstokes38 to bail out England from a tricky position. They both applied themselves very well & have batted patiently to shift the balance in this Test.
It has been a great battle between bat & ball in the 1st session. #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/lRQseKoERZ— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 17, 2020
Former England captain Michael Vaughan termed Stokes as England’s best player, best fielder and most impactful bowler.
“England’s best player … England’s best fielder … England’s most impactful bowler … England’s best batsman at the moment delivers once again … @benstokes38 is a freak … nothing he cannot do … #TestCricket #ENGvWI” Vaughan wrote on Twitter.
England’s best player … England’s best fielder … England’s most impactful bowler … England’s best batsman at the moment delivers once again … @benstokes38 is a freak … nothing he cannot do … #TestCricket #ENGvWI
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 17, 2020
