Ben Stokes 100 Test Match
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“It’s just a number” – Ben Stokes reflects on playing 100th Test For England.

Dipanshu Thakur 32 Views, , , ,
RAJKOT, INDIA – FEBRUARY 13: Ben Stokes of England looks on during the England Net Session at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on February 13, 2024 in Rajkot, India. (Photo by Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

England captain Ben Stokes downplayed the significance of his upcoming 100th Test match as he prepares to lead the team in the third Test against India in Rajkot. Stokes, 32, will join a select group of English cricketers as the 16th player to reach this milestone, marking a significant achievement in his career journey since his Test debut during the 2013 Ashes series.

Acknowledging the forthcoming landmark, Stokes expressed gratitude for the opportunities he’s had but emphasized that he views this milestone simply as another game in his cricketing journey. Despite his pivotal role as an all-rounder and his reputation for delivering match-winning performances, Stokes remains grounded, focusing on the task at hand rather than dwelling on personal milestones.

Stokes said “It’s just a number. I don’t want it to sound like I’m not thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, but with milestones, it’s not done until it’s done. Every Test is just as important as the next one. Then there’s the next one, which will be 101 – it’s just one more. It’s a sign of longevity, but 99, 100 or 101 doesn’t make much difference.”

Reflecting on his career achievements, Stokes indicated that he would likely contemplate the significance of his 100th Test match after stepping away from the sport.

“There will be a time when I can reflect a bit more. Whilst I’m still playing and wanting to achieve a lot, then driving the team, giving individuals the best platform for them to be successful is where all my thoughts are at the moment.” 

With an impressive record of 6,251 runs and 197 wickets in Test cricket, Stokes stands on the cusp of joining an elite group of cricketers to achieve the double of 6,000 runs and 200 wickets, a feat previously accomplished only by legends such as Jacques Kallis and Sir Garfield Sobers.

Throughout his illustrious Test career, the England captain has showcased his batting prowess with 13 centuries and demonstrated his bowling capabilities with four 5-wicket hauls, cementing his status as one of the game’s premier all-rounders.