Following a brilliant knock against New Zealand in the thrilling ICC World Cup 2019 final, Ben Stokes has returned to the same format of the game from which he generated discussion of knighthood. Benjamin Andrew Stokes made his comeback in the third One Day International (ODI) in the bilateral series between the 2019 World Cup finalists, when he produced a brilliant knock to aid England in escaping a precarious circumstance.
At the Kennington Oval in London, where the penultimate ODI of the series between the two World Cup contenders was played, Stokes rewrote history by slamming a thunderous century to spark England’s comeback against the Kiwis. In the 50-over format, Stokes scored his first century since 2017. For the reigning world champions against the Black Caps, the England Test captain and teammate Dawid Malan also registered the greatest partnership (for any wicket).
Eoin Morgan and Joe Root’s famous 198-run stand against New Zealand in Nottingham in 2015 has been eclipsed by Stokes and Malan. While Stokes scored the fastest ODI century of his career, England’s Malan (96) was removed by Trent Boult in the 32nd over, preventing him from reaching his century. In just 76 balls, Stokes reached his century as England came back from 13-2 to post a difficult total against New Zealand.
Ben Stokes breaks England’s record for highest ODI score
With 63 ODI centuries in 2023, Stokes’ is the 12th-fastest century among players from full-member nations. Stokes’ fourth ODI century was also his first after coming out of retirement. In the 29th over, bowled by Glenn Phillips, the Englishman reached his century total. The superstar of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batted 76 balls to get his century, smashing 11 fours and three sixes. In preparation for the World Cup in India, Stokes has rejoined the England ODI team. After England played South Africa in a 50-over match at Chester-le-Street last year, the 32-year-old announced his retirement from the format.
In the 50-over format, Stokes blasted the highest individual score for England by turning his quick-fire century into a record-breaking knock. Against New Zealand in the third ODI, Stokes broke the 180-run mark to change the course of history. Jason Roy, who had hit 180 against Australia in 2018, was surpassed by Stokes. Stokes scored 182 off 124 balls in a fun innings during which he hit 15 fours and nine sixes.
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