Last Updated on 3 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
Ben Stokes has become the second player in history after Jacques Kallis to achieve the double of 7,000 runs and 250 wickets in Test cricket. Stokes took his 250th wicket on the second morning of England’s third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. In the process, the captain help mount a stirring comeback for the hosts, who bowled New Zealand out for 438 despite a mammoth 317-run opening stand by Tom Latham and Devon Conway.
Ben Stokes reaches 250 Test wickets to achieve rare double
Stokes has made a career of bowling huge spells, and it was no different on Friday morning as he led his team’s fightback. He dismissed Mitchell Santner (albeit in controversial circumstances) to notch up 250 Test wickets at a very respectable average of 31.03. With the bat, Stokes has 7,228 runs to his name at an average of 34.58. If he can find some form with the bat, he may very well have more to offer in a very important 12 months ahead for England.
Jacques Kallis, the only other player to achieve this double, scored 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37, and took with 292 wickets at 32.65. Remarkable numbers that are still celebrated today.
“An incredible spell this morning from Ben Stokes to make history at Trent Bridge,” England Cricket wrote on X.
Fans also had their say on Stokes. “England can’t afford to punish Ben Stokes. They can’t afford to lose him,” wrote one fan. “What an inspiration Stokes is. Eighth consecutive over in a single spell bowling in the Nottingham heat which is the second hottest recorded day in England Test history. His three wickets in this single spell has opened up the test match completely,” wrote another.
Stokes took the first New Zealand wicket with the score on 317. He took three more on the second morning to finish with 4/70 off 21 overs.
