Ben Stokes retires: 5 most iconic Test innings that defined his legendary career

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, with the England all-rounder set to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career after the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Over the past 15 years, Stokes established himself as one of England's greatest cricketers, playing a pivotal role in the team's 2019 ODI World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup triumphs while becoming one of the finest all-rounders of his generation.

The 35-year-old leaves the game with an extraordinary record. He is among a select group of cricketers to score more than 7,000 runs and take over 250 wickets in Test cricket, underlining his incredible impact with both bat and ball. His unforgettable unbeaten 135 against Australia at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes, along with several other match-winning performances, cemented his reputation as one of the greatest big-match players in cricket history.

As England's Test captain from 2022, Stokes partnered with head coach Brendon McCullum to introduce the aggressive "Bazball" approach, transforming England into one of the most entertaining teams in world cricket. Their fearless style not only revived the team's fortunes but also reignited global interest in Test cricket.

Stokes' retirement comes shortly after he returned to the England side following a suspension for breaching team curfew and his involvement in a nightclub incident. Despite the off-field controversy, his legacy remains firmly defined by his remarkable achievements on the field. As one of England's most decorated cricketers bids farewell to international cricket, here is a look at the five most iconic Test innings that defined Ben Stokes' legendary career.

5. 120 (195 balls) vs Australia, Perth, 2013

Ben Stokes announced himself on the biggest stage during the 2013-14 Ashes, producing a memorable century in just his second Test match. Although England endured a difficult tour and eventually suffered a 5-0 whitewash, the Perth Test gave fans a glimpse of a future superstar. At just 22 years of age, Stokes showed remarkable maturity under pressure by scoring his maiden Test hundred.

Coming to the crease with England struggling in their second innings, Stokes fought valiantly against a world-class Australian bowling attack. He struck 120 off 195 deliveries, an innings that included 18 boundaries and a six. While experienced batters around him failed to make a significant impact, the young all-rounder stood firm and displayed the temperament that would later define his career.

Stokes also contributed with the ball, claiming three wickets across Australia's two innings. However, his all-round effort was not enough to prevent England from slipping to a 150-run defeat. Despite the loss, the Perth century remains one of the defining moments of Stokes' early career, marking the arrival of a player who would go on to become one of England's greatest Test cricketers.

4. 101 (92 balls) vs New Zealand, Lord's, 2015

Ben Stokes produced one of the finest all-round performances of his career during the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's in 2015. Playing only his 10th Test, the England all-rounder dominated the match with both bat and ball, earning the Player of the Match award. His fearless approach helped England recover from difficult situations and ultimately secure a memorable victory.

England were reeling at 30/4 in the first innings when Stokes joined Joe Root at the crease. The pair rebuilt the innings brilliantly, with Stokes smashing a counter-attacking 92 off just 94 balls to lift England to a competitive total of 389. He followed it up with an even more destructive knock in the second innings, blasting 101 from only 92 deliveries as England declared on 478 and set New Zealand a daunting target.

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Stokes' impact was not limited to his batting. He also starred with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets in New Zealand's second innings to help bowl the visitors out for 220. His match figures of 92, 101 and 3/38 showcased his complete all-round ability, making it one of the most dominant individual performances of his Test career and an early indication of the match-winner he would become for England.

3. 258 (198 balls) vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2016

At number three is Ben Stokes' breathtaking 258 against South Africa in Cape Town, an innings that firmly established him as one of the most destructive all-rounders in Test cricket. Facing a quality bowling attack on their home turf, Stokes produced a fearless display of power-hitting and stroke-making to register the first double-century of his Test career.

Walking in during England's first innings, Stokes tore into the South African bowlers with remarkable aggression. He smashed 258 off just 198 deliveries, striking 30 fours and 11 sixes in one of the fastest double-centuries ever scored in Test cricket. His explosive knock, combined with Jonny Bairstow's unbeaten 150, powered England to a commanding total of 629/6 declared. Stokes' innings also became the 13th-highest individual Test score by an England batter.

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Although the match eventually ended in a draw after South Africa replied with 627/7 declared, Stokes' extraordinary innings remained the defining performance of the contest. His 258 is widely regarded as one of the greatest overseas knocks by an England batter and stands as one of the finest innings of his illustrious Test career.

2. 128 (235 balls) vs India, Rajkot, 2016

At number two is Ben Stokes' magnificent 128 against India in the opening Test at Rajkot in 2016, an innings that highlighted his ability to excel in demanding subcontinent conditions. On a batting-friendly surface, Stokes combined patience with aggression to produce one of the finest overseas centuries of his Test career.

Coming in during England's first innings, Stokes played a crucial knock of 128 from 235 deliveries, striking 13 fours to guide his side to a formidable total of 537. His century complemented Joe Root's 124 and gave England complete control of the contest. More importantly, Stokes' ability to adapt to spin-friendly conditions showcased the maturity and versatility that made him one of the world's premier all-rounders.

Despite England's commanding first-innings total, India responded strongly through centuries from Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara to level the contest. The match eventually ended in a draw, but Stokes' composed and disciplined century remains one of his best Test innings away from home and a standout performance against one of the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket.

1.135* (219 balls) vs Australia, Leeds, 2019

At number one is Ben Stokes' unforgettable unbeaten 135 against Australia at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes, an innings widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of Test cricket. With England on the brink of defeat and the Ashes slipping away, Stokes produced a once-in-a-generation performance that transformed a seemingly impossible chase into one of the sport's most iconic victories.

Stokes made an impact throughout the match. He claimed the crucial wicket of Marnus Labuschagne in Australia's first innings before returning with figures of 3/56 in the second innings to keep England within touching distance of the target. Chasing 359, England collapsed to 286/9, needing another 73 runs with only one wicket in hand. Refusing to surrender, Stokes unleashed a breathtaking counterattack, combining calculated aggression with remarkable composure under immense pressure.

His unbeaten 135 from 219 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and eight sixes, guided England to a dramatic one-wicket victory and levelled the Ashes series at 1-1. The innings is remembered not only for its brilliance but also for the extraordinary circumstances in which it was played, cementing Stokes' reputation as one of cricket's greatest match-winners and standing as the defining knock of his legendary Test career.