Ben Stokes’ script history, became second only to Jacques Kallis in… |: Cricket News:
Ben Stokes: marked his return to England’s Test side in spectacular fashion, producing a tireless bowling display against New Zealand while joining one of the most exclusive clubs in Test cricket history.The England all-rounder became only the second player in the history of the top format to amass more than 7,000 Test runs with 250 wickets, joining the legendary South African. Jacques Kallis to reach a unique global milestone.At the time of writing, Stokes has scored 7,228 Test runs and claimed 250 wickets, while Kallis finished his legendary career with 13,289 runs and 292 wickets.The landmark came during the third Test against New Zealand after the visitors chose to bat first. England endured a frustrating start as Devon Conway and Tom Latham put together a commanding 317-run opening partnership, leaving the hosts searching for a breakthrough.It was Stokes who finally broke the deadlock, dismissing Latham to end the big stand. From there, the England captain led the charge with an inspired spell, bowling high, demanding spells and claiming four wickets to emerge as England’s standout performer. His relentless effort kept England in the competition despite New Zealand’s dominant start.The performance is especially important considering the events leading up to his return. Stokes missed the second Test against New Zealand after he and teammate Gus Atkinson were suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaching an unofficial team curfew following England’s opening Test win at Lord’s.The pair went out after the win and were involved in a late-night incident at a Chelsea nightclub. Reports said an England team security officer was beaten by a rugby player from Premiership club Saracens during the incident.After an investigation, the ECB concluded that Stokes and Atkinson “breached certain contractual obligations” and issued both players formal written warnings. However, the independent Cricket Regulator found that there was “insufficient evidence to establish that any breach of regulation had occurred.”With England recovering from a devastating 253-run defeat in the second Test, Stokes and Atkinson were immediately recalled for the third Test. Stokes responded in the best possible way, delivering a match-defining bowling performance while writing his name in the record books.By achieving the remarkable double of 7,000 Test runs and 250 wickets, Stokes underlined his status as one of the greatest all-rounders of the modern era, joining Jacques Kallis as the only cricketers to achieve the feat.
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