Ben Stokes Marking his return to the England Test team in spectacular fashion, he put in a tireless bowling performance against New Zealand while joining one of the most exclusive clubs in the history of Test cricket.The England all-rounder became the second player in the history of the longest format to complete more than 7,000 Test runs in 250 wickets, joining the ranks of South African greats. Jacques Callis Achieve extraordinary comprehensive milestones.At the time of writing, Stokes had scored 7,228 Test runs and taken 250 wickets, while Kallis ended his storied career with 13,289 Test runs and 292 wickets.The milestone came in the third Test against New Zealand when the visitors elected to bat first. England endured a frustrating start as Devon Conway and Tom Latham put on a brilliant opening partnership of 317, leaving the hosts looking for a breakthrough.Stokes eventually broke the deadlock, dismissing Latham to end a lengthy spell. From then on, the England skipper led the counter-attack with an inspired spell, bowling long, demanding spells and claiming four wickets to become England’s standout performer. His relentless efforts kept England in the game despite New Zealand’s dominant start.This performance is especially important considering the events that preceded 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 win in the first Test at Lord’s.The pair went out after their win and were involved in a late-night incident at a Chelsea nightclub. Reports claim that an England security officer was hit by a rugby player from Premier League club Saracens during the incident.Following an investigation, the ECB concluded that Stokes and Atkinson had “breached specific contractual obligations” and issued formal written warnings to both players. However, the independent cricket regulator found “insufficient evidence that any regulatory breach had occurred”.Stokes and Atkinson were immediately recalled for the third Test as England struggled with a 253-run defeat in the second Test. Stokes responded in the best possible way, delivering a match-defining bowling performance while etching his name into the record books.Stokes’ rare double of 7,000 Test runs and 250 wickets underlined his status as one of the greatest all-rounders of the modern era, joining Jacques Kallis as the only cricketers to accomplish the feat.
