Amid the anticipation of an intense Test series between India and England, England’s red-ball captain Ben Stokes stands on the brink of a monumental achievement in his illustrious cricket career. The milestone in question will elevate him to a coveted assembly of cricket legends, where names such as the Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar, Australian great Ricky Ponting, and Indian batting powerhouse Virat Kohli have already etched their legacy.
Ben Stokes, the dynamic all-rounder who is known for his match-winning prowess, is just a single game away from marking his 100th appearance in Test cricket for his national side. The upcoming third Test at Rajkot, which commences on February 15, is earmarked to be the historic 100th Test of Stokes’ career.
With his place in the squad, Stokes is poised to become the 74th international cricketer in the history of the sport to earn the distinction of completing a century of Test caps, joining 15 other English cricketers who have reached this exclusive milestone before him.
Stokes’ journey through Test cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. At 32 years of age, he has accumulated 6,251 runs donning the English crest and is a mere three wickets away from the landmark of 200 Test dismissals. His batting average of 36.34 includes 13 centuries and 31 half-centuries, demonstrating his significant contribution to the team with the bat in hand.
In addition to his batting finesses, Stokes is also a formidable force with the ball. Although he is currently not bowling, having recently recovered from knee surgery, his right-arm fast bowling has been instrumental in numerous English victories. With an impressive bowling average of 32.07, his tally includes eight four-wicket hauls and four five-wicket hauls—a testament to his ability to change games as an allrounder.
The England Test squad that will face India presents a robust line-up. Alongside Ben Stokes as captain, the team features Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and former captain Joe Root to bolster the batting. Jonny Bairstow adds his explosive batting and fielding skills to the mix, while Ben Foakes is expected to continue his role behind the stumps.
The bowling attack packs experience and promise with James Anderson, Mark Wood, and Ollie Robinson leading the seam bowling charge. Their pace and skill will be essential in the Indian conditions. Additionally, newcomers such as Tom Hartley and Gus Atkinson have a chance to shine, as well as the younger talents like Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir. Batsman Daniel Lawrence remains an option for England’s middle order, providing depth and flexibility to the team selection.
As the cricket world eagerly awaits the unfolding of this Test match, where stakes are high on both a personal and team level, Stokes remains a central figure. Not only is the Test significant for Stokes’ personal landmark, but it is also a crucial juncture for England in their pursuit of success on the subcontinent.
The Rajkot Test promises to be a memorable event, with Ben Stokes looking to cement his place amongst the game’s greats and lead his team to what could be a defining victory. His potential entry into the exclusive ‘100 Test Club’ will be yet another accolade in a career already laden with remarkable achievements, including his pivotal role in England’s World Cup victory.
Can Stokes inspire his team to a win in his 100th Test? The stage is set, the players are ready, the fans are watching. History beckons for England’s talismanic captain, who stands ready to take that significant stride into the annals of cricketing history.
