Ben Stokes, ahead of his 100th Test match in Rajkot, expressed indifference towards milestones, emphasizing that each match held equal significance.
England’s cricket fans are gearing up to witness a historic moment as Ben Stokes, the England skipper, prepares to step onto the field for his 100th Test match in Rajkot on February 15th. However, Stokes himself seems unfazed by the impending milestone, emphasizing that the number “100” holds little significance to him.
The 32-year-old all-rounder highlighted that while he appreciates the opportunities he’s been given, he views each match as equally important.
“Every Test is just as important as the next one. Then there’s the next one, which will be 101 – it’s just one more. It’s a sign of longevity, but 99, 100 or 101 doesn’t make much difference. It’s just a number,” said the Durham man. “I don’t want it to sound like I’m not thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, but with milestones, it’s not done until it’s done,” Stokes said to BBC.
Stokes, who debuted in Test cricket against Australia in Adelaide in 2013, initially struggled but swiftly proved his mettle with a brilliant 120-run innings in Perth. Renowned for his game-changing knocks, his unbeaten 135 against Australia at Headingley is hailed as one of England’s finest Test victories.
However, Stokes faced setbacks, notably a knee injury after the ODI World Cup, hindering his role as an all-rounder. Despite ongoing rehabilitation, he remains optimistic about returning to bowling, acknowledging the necessity of gradual progress and listening to his body.
Last Updated on February 14, 2024
Senior Sports Copywriter