Ranking Ben Stokes’ 5 best international innings

#4 101 v New Zealand, Lord’s, May 2015

Stokes 85-ball ton was the fastest in Test cricket at Lord's

Despite that innings in Perth, Stokes’ Test career didn’t really kick on, and he had a tough time over the coming year. In the summer of 2014, he appeared in just two Test matches against India, and was dropped after being dismissed for a pair in the defeat at Lord’s. It wasn’t until the following summer that he returned to form in Test cricket, when he was moved up to bat at number six by coach Paul Farbrace.

That paid off immediately in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, as Stokes was named man of the match. Coming off the back of a 92 in the first innings, the left hander went one better in the second innings. He played positive cricket, taking the game to the New Zealand bowlers as he went to a century off just 85 balls, the fastest Test hundred at Lord’s, a knock that included 15 fours and three sixes. He wasn’t done yet though, as he picked up three wickets in New Zealand’s second innings, including Kane Williamson and Brendan McCullum in consecutive deliveries.

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