The selection of eight truly Stokesian performances as the England captain prepares for his 100th Test. What is for your favourite?
Headingley 2019 vs Australia - 8 & 135 | 4-101
After the disaster of being bowled out for just 67 runs, England managed to make a comeback and win by the narrowest of margins - with Stokes once again playing a crucial role. He started with an incredible spell of bowling, delivering 24.2 overs across the second evening and third morning, with only four balls bowled by Jofra Archer, and taking three wickets. In the fourth innings, chasing a target of 359, Stokes initially played defensively, scoring just 2 runs off 66 balls before gradually increasing his scoring rate. When England's ninth wicket fell, Joe Root had scored 61 runs from 174 balls and was left with only Jack Leach as his partner. The outcome of the match is now well-known.
Lord's 2023 against Australia - 17&155, 1/47 and one catch
The match was reminiscent of the Bazball version of Headingley 2019. England had set a target of 371 to avoid going 2-0 down in the series. However, they seemed dead and buried at 45 for 4 when the captain, Stokes, walked out to bat. Despite this, a century stand with Ben Duckett resurrected their chances. Unfortunately, the stumping of Jonny Bairstow shortly before lunch on day five reignited Australia's hopes. Nevertheless, Stokes immediately went on the attack, repeatedly launching the ball into the stands and giving Australia flashbacks. He had hit nine sixes when he finally top-edged one off Josh Hazlewood and the dream was over.
Cape Town 2016 v South Africa - 258 & 26 | 1-100 | one run scored
Newlands saw Stokes go big in his inimitable style, despite the pitch being flat. He reached his third Test hundred steadily, taking 70 balls to reach 50, as England aimed to capitalize on a solid platform provided by the top order. On the second morning, Stokes switched gears and plundered 130 runs in the session, recording a double-century from 163 balls, which is still the second-fastest in Test history. Stokes and Jonny Bairstow scored 399 runs in partnership, but despite their efforts, Hashim Amla's 201 (from 477 balls) ensured that the match ended in a draw for South Africa.
Cape Town 2020 v South Africa - 47 & 72, with 3-69 and six catches
England had not won a Test in Cape Town since 1957, a drought that would probably have continued without Stokes. At the start of day four, they were in a strong position but needed to accelerate. Stokes walked out alongside Dom Sibley to blast 72 from 47 balls in a fifth-wicket partnership of 92. Stokes then returned to take the final three wickets in the final hour as South Africa tried to block their way to a draw on the final evening. He also equalled the record for catches in a Test innings by a fielder.
Lord's 2015 vs. New Zealand - 92 and 101 | 3-143
Following a disappointing World Cup and Test loss in the Caribbean, England underwent a reboot. Paul Farbrace, the stand-in head coach, granted Stokes permission to bat at No. 6. Stokes then delivered his first outstanding all-round performance in the first Test of the summer against New Zealand. He scored 92 runs off 94 balls, helping England recover from a score of 30 for 4 in the first innings. Stokes also scored a century off 85 balls, which is the fastest century ever scored at Lord's. He then took the crucial wicket of Kane Williamson before bowling Brendon McCullum for a golden duck, helping England secure victory on the final day.
Cape Town 2020 v South Africa - 47 & 72, with 3-69 and six catches
England had not won a Test in Cape Town since 1957, a drought that might still be continuing were it not for Stokes. At the start of day four, they were in a strong position but needed to accelerate. Stokes walked out alongside Dom Sibley to blast 72 from 47 balls in a fifth-wicket partnership of 92. Then, as South Africa tried to block the way to a draw on the final evening, Stokes returned. He took the final three wickets in the final hour. He also equalled the record for the number of catches made by a fielder in a Test innings.
Old Trafford 2020 vs West Indies - 176 runs and 78 not out, with 3 wickets for 59 runs and one catch taken
Stokes delivered an outstanding performance to help England level the series against West Indies, despite losing a day to rain. This may have been motivated by his desire to make amends to his teammate. The first Test was lost under Stokes' leadership in Southampton, as Joe Root was on paternity leave. Back in the ranks, Stokes produced his longest Test innings and highest score on home soil, setting up England’s total of 469 for 9 declared. He then walked out to open the batting in the second innings, smashing an unbeaten 78 off 57 balls to provide quick runs.
Perth 2013 – 18 & 120 | 3-145 | one catch
England's tour may have been ill-fated, but it did introduce a special talent. Stokes made his Test debut in Adelaide, following Jonathan Trott's sudden departure. It didn't take long for him to demonstrate his determination. In Perth, Australia regained the Ashes, but Stokes put up a fight in the fourth innings, facing off against Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon, and the famous WACA cracks to score his first Test century. Remarkably, England's only century of the series came from this innings as they were whitewashed 5-0.
Trent Bridge 2015 vs Australia - 5 wickets for 36 runs and three catches
Stuart Broad's greatest moment was captured in a photograph thanks to Stokes' fielding skills. Australia were struggling at 20 for 4 when Broad started the fifth over of the morning. Adam Voges may have thought he would survive a thick outside edge that flew well to the right of fifth slip, but Stokes and his exceptional catch, known as 'the claw', had other ideas. Stokes took a full-length diving one-handed catch almost behind him, inspiring Broad's hands-over-mouth 'Oh my Broad!' celebration. Stokes then gave a passable impression of the injured James Anderson, swinging out 6 for 36 in the final innings.