The Ashes: Ben Stokes slams match-defining century at Lord's
England captain Ben Stokes has slammed his 13th century in Test cricket. The 32-year-old took on the Australian bowling attack on Day 5 of the 2nd Ashes 2023 Test as England attempted to chase 371. Stokes duly dealt with Australia's bouncer barrage by first defending and then launching a counter-attack. He smashed three consecutive sixes to bring up his century in style.
A counter-attacking knock from Stokes
Stokes joined opener Ben Duckett in the middle after England were reduced to 45/4 in the final session on Day 4. The duo added a century stand to take England past 170 in the first session today. However, England lost both Duckett and Jonny Bairstow in quick succession. Stokes didn't slow down and brought up his 13th Test century off just 142 balls.
Four Ashes Test tons; third at Lord's
As stated, Stokes has scored his 13th century in Test cricket. The England captain has reached three figures four times in the Ashes. Stokes now has three Test centuries at Lord's, the Mecca of Cricket.
Here's how Stokes accelerated
Stokes was batting at 62*(126) when Bairstow departed. He smoked 46 runs off just 21 balls thereafter to get to his century. As mentioned, Stokes struck three successive maximums against Cameron Green to complete his ton. Stokes after losing Bairstow: 1, 1, 0, 4, 4, 0, 0, 4, 1, 0, 0, 1, 4, 6, 6, 6, 1, 4, 2, 0, and 1.
Highest individual score for England in 4th innings
Stokes smashed 155 off 214 balls (9 fours, 9 sixes). This is now the highest individual score for England in the 4th innings (Tests). Top four scores: Bill Edrich (219) vs SA in Durban in 1938/39, Michel Atherton (185*) vs SA in Johannesburg in 1995/96, D Randall (174) vs Australia in Melbourne in 1976/77, M Butcher (173*) vs Australia in Leeds in 2001.
