Ashes 2023: Ben Stokes Becomes First-ever Captain In Test Cricket History To Achieve This Unique Milestone

by Sonanchal GautamJune 3, 2023June 3, 2023

Last Update on: June 3rd, 2023 at 11:18 pm

England National Cricket Team Test captain Ben Stokes has become the first-ever captain in the history of the longest format of the game to achieve a unique milestone following the victory against the Ireland National Cricket Team in a one-off Test match.

The one-off Test match between the spirited Andy Balbirnie-led Ireland National Cricket Team and the aggressive Ben Stokes-led England National Cricket Team was held at the Lord’s, London.

The home side registered an easy 10-wicket victory to wrap up the match inside three days. Following the win, Ben Stokes etched his name in the history books as he became the first captain in Test Cricket history to win a match without batting, bowling, or keeping wickets.

Notably, he didn’t bowl or bat in any of the innings and his only major contribution on the field, other than captaincy, was taking the catch to dismiss Curtis Campher in the 44th over of Ireland’s second innings.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “Australia Dominated That Series” – Marnus Labuschagne Hits Back At Stuart Broad’s “Null And Void” Ashes 2021-22 Remark

Ben Stokes is the first captain in Test history to win a match without batting, bowling or keeping wicket 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NVboc8WhLQ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 3, 2023

Meanwhile, the top performers for England in the match were Stuart Broad and Josh Tongue on the bowling side of things as they both bagged a five-wicket haul. On the batting front, Ollie Pope (205) and Ben Duckett (182) played absolutely sensational knocks.

Great to get back as a group, spending quality time together before the Ashes – Ben Stokes

Speaking after the match, England captain Ben Stokes lauded Ireland for showing grit and determination in the Test match.

“Though Ireland came out and showed grit and determination. Gives us a little insight into what we might have to do against Australia. It got flatter as it went on. Trying to take the game on in our own way allowed us to potentially bowl them out without batting again. Ireland had to get a really good score to put us under pressure. Good test and credit to Ireland today,” Ben Stokes said.

Also Read: ENG vs IRE: “I Don’t See A World Where T20 And Tests Aren’t Being Played In The Future” – Ben Stokes Opens Up On The Future Of A Longer Format

Ben Stokes also lauded Jonny Bairstow for doing a good job behind the stumps following his return to the national side after a freak injury. He also lauded debutant Josh Tongue for his bowling performance.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “I Think Test Cricket Will Always Be Around”- Ben Stokes

“[Bairstow and Tongue] Jonny came back in and did a tidy job behind the stumps. Good to get back out into the arena. Tongue came in and performed really well, he’d performed that third seamer role and showed how versatile he can be. Something we’re looking for in a seam bowler. Keep it simple for everyone. Explain the role [to new guys], do what you do and don’t worry about the rest of the stuff. Pretty special getting a five- England at Lord’s.”

Great to get back as a group, spending quality time together before the Ashes – Ben Stokes

Sonanchal GautamAssistant Content Manager