English star all-rounder Ben Stokes has climbed the rankings making him the No.1 ranked player in the ICC Test all-rounders rankings and No.3 in the ICC Test batsmen ranking, making only behind former Australian captain Steve Smith and current Indian Captain Virat Kohli.
The 29-year old is currently both the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in the ongoing home series against West Indies. Stokes scored a 176 and followed it up with quick-fire 78 of just 57 balls - recording the fastest fifty by an England opener in Test matches.
This feat was achieved by Stokes despite opening for the first time in his Test career.
It is also to be noted that the all-rounder has not only been impressive with the bat but also with the ball. He had taken nine wickets at an outstanding average of 16.33. He has been the best bowler for England in this series and has been the partnership breaker on many occasions.
All these efforts combined together with very few cricket happening around due to the pandemic hos rankings has climbed up drastically making him the Top ranked in Test all-rounder, dethroning current West Indies captain Jason Holder and No.3 in Test batsmen.
England captain Joe Root was excited after the series- leveling win for the English team, he praised the effort of Stokes and stated - “I certainly think he can keep performing at this level. I think the sky’s the limit for him really, when you watch how he goes about things, there’s no reason why he can’t keep performing this consistently"
“To have such a complete game, and so many different gears at your disposal, allows you the ability to keep getting better. But most importantly, if he continues to read situations the way he is, and keeps the confidence that he’s playing with at the moment, there’s no reason why we can’t continue to see such brilliant performances as we have done this week, and over the last 12 months really,”
The latest rankings update wasn’t all about Stokes though. Dom Sibley, following his 120 in the first innings in Manchester, jumped 29 places to No.35 in the rankings, while Stuart Broad capped his Test return after missing out in Southampton with a rise of four places back into the top 10 in the bowlers’ ranking.
Though the latest rankings update isn't all about Stokes alone as Dom Sibley of England too jumped 29 places in the ranking and is currently No.35 after his outstanding knock of 120 against West Indies in the ongoing series. Stuart Broad after missing out the Southampton Test has made it to the Top 10 bowlers rankings after his performance in the second Test held in Manchester.
The 31-year old Pacer Chris Woakes also rose three places in the bowlers rankings after picking up 5 wickets in Manchester.
Cover Credits: OrissaPost
