Top 5 Greatest Ben Stokes Performances In International Cricket

Ben Stokes for England [Source: @ICThardPics/X]Ben Stokes, the greatest all-rounder that England will ever have, has announced his retirement from international cricket during the England versus New Zealand third Test. While in the middle of the final game of the series, Stokes announced his retirement in the England dressing room on the third day of the match.His announcement brought a shockwave throughout the cricket world as he hung up his boots after a career that spanned over 15 years. Stokes, who has been a resilient force in English cricket both with the bat and the ball, has also been a massively successful captain for the Three Lions.He brought an end to his cricket journey on June 28, announcing that the final Test match of the England versus New Zealand series would be his last appearance on a cricket field. As Stokes puts a full stop to his career, let's not forget that he, being the fan-popular ‘Gangster’ in the game, has been one of the most fearsome cricketers on the field.Let's take a look at some of the greatest performances produced by Ben Stokes in international cricket.5) An All-Round Show Against West Indies in 2020After England suffered defeat in the first Test of the series against West Indies in 2020, they desperately needed a response and Ben Stokes answered the call in spectacular fashion.Coming in under pressure, Stokes played one of the finest innings of his career, scoring a brilliant 176. He spent nearly eight hours at the crease, showing remarkable patience before attacking whenever the bowlers made mistakes. His innings included 17 boundaries and two massive sixes, helping England post a commanding first-innings total of 469.But Stokes wasn't done yet. In England's second innings, he switched gears completely. Knowing quick runs were needed to set West Indies a challenging target, he smashed an unbeaten 78 from just 57 deliveries. His fearless hitting ensured England declared at the perfect time.Even with the ball, Stokes made valuable contributions. He dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite in the first innings before returning with two more wickets in the second innings, including the crucial wicket of Jermaine Blackwood. His all-round figures of 254 runs and three wickets earned him the Player of the Match award.4) 258-Run Stand vs South Africa in 2016Before becoming England's captain and biggest match-winner, Ben Stokes announced himself to the cricket world with one unforgettable innings in Cape Town.England were in trouble after losing quick wickets against a strong South African attack. Stokes walked in with pressure on his shoulders, but instead of defending, he launched one of the most fearless assaults ever seen in Test cricket.He smashed 258 runs from only 198 balls, one of the fastest double centuries in Test history. Stokes hammered 30 fours and 11 sixes.His partnership with Jonny Bairstow completely changed the match. Together they added a massive 399 runs, turning England from a difficult position into complete control. South Africa were left chasing the game after watching one of the most destructive innings ever played.Also Read: Ben Stokes Replacements: Players Whom England Can Appoint As Next Test Captain3) T20 World Cup 2022 Final KnockAlthough not a Test innings, this knock deserves special mention because it perfectly captured what made Ben Stokes such a special big-match player.England were chasing 138 against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final. The pressure was massive, and Pakistan's world-class pace attack had reduced England to 49 for 3.Stokes knew flashy shots would only hand Pakistan the advantage. Instead, he absorbed the pressure, trusted his experience, and slowly rebuilt the chase.His unbeaten 52 was not the fastest innings of his career, but it was among the smartest. While wickets continued to fall, Stokes remained calm. He rotated the strike, punished loose deliveries, and waited patiently for the right moment to attack.When Shaheen Shah Afridi was forced off with injury, Stokes seized the opportunity. He struck crucial boundaries before calmly hitting the winning runs that crowned England world champions.That final once again proved that when trophies were on the line, Ben Stokes was the man England trusted the most, the real gangster on the field who had the calm as well as the chaos.2) 155 vs Australia in 2023Sometimes a defeat can still produce one of cricket's greatest innings. Ben Stokes' 155 against Australia at Lord's remains one of those rare examples.England were chasing a daunting 371 to level the Ashes series. Wickets kept falling around him as Australia's experienced bowling attack tightened its grip on the contest. Most batters struggled, but Stokes refused to surrender.He first rebuilt the innings with patience before launching a breathtaking counterattack. Stokes reached his century with fearless hitting and kept attacking despite losing partners at the other end. His innings included nine fours and nine sixes. He fought almost alone against Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, refusing to give his wicket away even as the target remained enormous.England eventually lost by 43 runs, but the result hardly reflected the impact of Stokes' knock. Even when the odds were impossible, he always believed there was still a way to win.1) The Headingley 135 vs Australia in 2019If there is one innings that defines Ben Stokes' legacy forever, it is his unbeaten 135 at Headingley.England looked completely beaten. Chasing 359 to save the Ashes in 2019, they collapsed to 286 for 9. Australia needed only one wicket. England still required 73 runs. Millions of fans had already accepted defeat.But Ben Stokes had other ideas.With Jack Leach at the other end, Stokes produced one of the greatest displays of courage, skill and determination the game has ever seen. He protected Leach brilliantly, took almost all the strike, and attacked Australia's world-class bowling attack with fearless confidence.Every six brought hope. Every boundary increased belief. Every over pushed Australia closer to panic.The unbeaten last-wicket partnership of 76 became one of cricket's greatest stories. Jack Leach scored just one run while Stokes carried the entire chase on his shoulders.The drama reached another level when Nathan Lyon missed a golden run-out chance with only two runs needed. Moments later, Stokes smashed the winning boundary through the covers and collapsed to the ground in pure emotion.His unbeaten 135 included 11 fours and eight unforgettable sixes. More importantly, it kept England alive in the Ashes and instantly became one of the greatest Test innings ever played.That unforgettable afternoon ensured Ben Stokes would never simply be remembered as a great cricketer. He would be remembered as one of the greatest match-winners the sport has ever seen as he would walk out of the field for one last time, probably on June 30.Also Read- Deepti Sharma Becomes World's Best Bowler; Surpasses Jhulan Goswami