ENG vs WI [WATCH]: Ben Stokes dismisses Kirk Mckenzie with a peach of a delivery; enters in the elite club

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Match summary
Ben Stokes bags his 200th test wicket
- Here’s the video
English poster boy

Ben Stokes, the captain of the England Test team, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the third cricketer in history to score over 6,000 runs and take 200 wickets in Test cricket. This achievement places him in an elite group alongside legends such as Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis. Stokes reached this milestone during the ongoing Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Match summary

England won the toss and elected to field first against the West Indies in the opening Test at Lord’s. Debutant Gus Atkinson starred on day one, taking 7 wickets to bowl out the West Indies for 121. In reply, England finished the day at 189/3, with Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Harry Brook scoring fifty.

On day two, England built on their strong position at 371/10 to take a massive 250-run lead. Veteran pacer James Anderson, playing his final Test, led the attack as the West Indies struggled to 79/6 at stumps. England are firmly in control and on course for a comprehensive victory in this historic match.

Ben Stokes bags his 200th test wicket

After England all out for 371/10 to take a commanding 250-run lead, first, he dismissed Mikyle Louis for 24, getting the batter to edge one to the wicketkeeper. Stokes, then returned to trap Kirk McKenzie LBW for 9, leaving the West Indies reeling at 79/6. Stokes’ double strike further consolidated England’s dominance in the match and put them on course for a comprehensive victory. The veteran all-rounder’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs has been crucial to England’s strong position in this Test.

Despite being dismissed for just four runs while batting, Stokes made a significant impact in the game by taking the wickets of Louis and McKenzie, thereby completing his 200th Test wicket.

Here’s the video

Kallis. Sobers. Stokes. Legends only, please. #EnglandCricket | #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/zQADWlbOnJ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2024

Also READ: James Anderson, Ben Stokes shine as England tighten their grip over the West Indies on Day 2 of Lord’s Test

English poster boy

Stokes’ achievement is particularly notable given his versatility as an all-rounder. He maintains a batting average of 35.50, with 13 centuries and 31 half-centuries to his credit. His best performance of 258 against South Africa in 2016 stands out among his many notable performances. Despite facing recurring knee issues that have affected his bowling, Stokes has shown resilience by returning to the pitch after dedicated recovery periods.

Stokes’ entry into this exclusive club elevates England’s representation to two members, surpassing other cricketing nations. Notable all-rounders from various countries, including New Zealand, India, South Africa, Pakistan, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, have also achieved this dual milestone, each leaving a unique mark on the sport.

Stokes joins an illustrious group of five English cricketers who have achieved both 3,000 runs and 200 wickets in Tests. This group includes Moeen Ali, Sir Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, and Stuart Broad. Botham, with 5,200 runs and 383 wickets, is a statistical giant among England’s all-rounders, a title he shares with Stokes.

Stokes’ accomplishment is particularly significant, as he is the first English player to achieve this milestone. He follows in the footsteps of Sobers and Kallis, who boast higher career figures compared to Stokes. Sobers accumulated 8,032 runs and 235 wickets in 93 matches for the West Indies, while Kallis amassed a remarkable 13,289 runs and 292 wickets in 166 Tests, ranking third in total runs behind Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.

Stokes’ achievement is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. Despite facing challenges, he has consistently performed at the highest level, making him a key player in England’s Test team. His entry into this exclusive club is a significant milestone in his illustrious career and a reminder of his enduring impact on the sport of cricket.