Highest number of Test sixes, 2nd most international ducks and other interesting Ben Stokes records
Ben Stokes is the current England Test cricket captain who has delivered some jaw-dropping performances across the formats, including his heroics in the 2019 World Cup to his efforts to save the Ashes at Headingley.
Beyond his heroics, his career records and numbers tell a story of a cricketer who pushes limits and for whom international sporting drama is never far away.
He thrives in high-pressure situations, with his unforgettable moments being invaluable for England through the years.
Beyond his heroic performances, his records and numbers tell a story of a cricketer who has experienced more than your average player in a career that has redefined excellence and grit.
Let’s take a look at 5 of Ben Stokes’ most intriguing records…
1. 6th player to be given out for obstructing the field
In an ODI against Australia at Lord’s in 2015, Stokes became just the sixth player in international cricket to be given out for obstructing the field.
In an instinctive reaction to the attempted runout of Mitchell Starc, he flung out his arm, which obstructed an inevitable runout and stopped the throw.
Though controversial, it remains one of the game’s rarest forms of dismissal.
2. 3rd most sixes in a Test cricket innings
Stokes unleashed destruction in Cape Town as he smashed 258 off just 198 balls against South Africa in 2016.
The innings was a fine example of the combination of brute force and intent in an innings that foreshadowed the effect that Stokes has had on the manner in which Test cricket can be played.
He is a true example of a versatile, multi-format specialist who’s changed the manner in which Test cricket can be played.
Also read: Against which countries did Brian Lara score the most Test runs?
3. 2nd in most consecutive international ducks
The usually prolific Stokes endured a rare slump in 2021 when he registered four consecutive ducks in international cricket for England – the second most in history across the three international formats.
His first scoreless innings came in a T20I against the West Indies, but what followed was almost beyond belief.
In his next three Test match innings while England hosted India, the prolific Test cricket star was dismissed without a run in a further three consecutive innings in a never before seen lapse of form for Stokes.
4. Highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test cricket
In the same high-scoring Test match in Cape Town, Stokes, alongside Jonny Bairstow, shared a stunning 399-run stand – the highest ever for the sixth-wicket in Test cricket.
It was a partnership forged through counterattacking play, confidence and taking the game to their opposition and working together to rescue England from a worrying position.
5. Most sixes in Test cricket
Ben Stokes is known for his willingness to score at will and take on the bowlers in Test cricket and consequently holds the record for the most maximums in the history of the five-day format.
He’s cleared the rope 133 times to date in a format traditionally renowned for patience and risk-free scoring as he revolutionised aggression in whites, proving that power hitting shouldn’t always be frowned upon and can lead to Test match success.
