Ben Stokes cemented his status as one of cricket's greatest-ever modern all-rounders by hitting the historic double of 7,000+ runs and 250 wickets in Test match history. He achieved this rare distinction on Day 2 of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Needing a strong personal performance following England's heavy defeat in the prior match, Stokes stepped up with the ball.
He claimed a dynamic 4-wicket haul in the first innings, wrapping up New Zealand's tail by dismissing Mitchell Santner. That exact wicket marked his 250th in Test cricket, confirming his membership in one of the sport's most exclusive clubs. Heading into the match, Stokes had already easily surpassed the 7,000 Test runs mark (sitting at 7,228 runs) but was hunting his 250th wicket.
On a grueling, hot day where temperatures hit 32°C, New Zealand’s batsmen were putting massive pressure on England's bowling unit. Stokes stepped up when his team needed it most, picking up crucial breakthroughs. He broke a stubborn partnership by removing Daryl Mitchell caught behind, before forcing Will O'Rourke to sky a short ball straight to point.
The monumental milestone arrived on the final delivery of the 101st over, when Stokes fired in a sharp, short-pitched delivery that left Mitchell Santner completely tangled. The ball ballooned off Santner's glove straight to gully, and though the batsman reviewed the decision believing it had struck his arm guard, the third umpire upheld the call to officially seal Stokes' entry into the ultra-elite 7,000-run and 250-wicket club.
New Zealand dominate early before England stage spirited Day 2 comeback at Trent Bridge
New Zealand was bowled out for 438 on Day 2 of the series-deciding third Test against England at Trent Bridge, following a remarkable bowling fightback led by captain Ben Stokes.Opting to bat first on a flat pitch on Day 1, the Black Caps initially completely dictated play. Openers Devon Conway (157) and Tom Latham (151) combined for a monumental, record-breaking 317-run opening partnership.
While a 500-plus total looked certain, England's pace attack triggered a crucial late-day collapse of 4 wickets for 44 runs on Thursday evening, leaving the visitors at 361 for 4 at stumpsOn Day 2, returning England captain Ben Stokes spearheaded a highly disciplined bowling display. He bowled a relentless morning spell, picking up three crucial wickets; Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, and Mitchell Santner.
The dismissal of Santner marked a historic milestone, securing Stokes’ 250th Test wicket and cementing his status in cricket's elite 7,000-run and 250-wicket club. Despite England's tight bowling lines and numerous maidens, New Zealand's lower order showed resilience, pushing the team score to 418 for 7 by the lunch interval.
Following the lunch interval, off-spinner Shoaib Bashir quickly wrapped up the tail by dismissing Nathan Smith and a resilient Tom Blundell (30). New Zealand’s innings concluded at 438 in 114.4 overs, with Stokes finishing with standout figures of 4 for 70. With the three-match series tied at 1-1, the pressure now shifts entirely to England's batsmen to produce a massive response on this placid surface.
