Ben Stokes ends Jason Holder's 18-month reign to clinch the top spot in ICC Test all-rounder rankings

England, after suffering a four-wicket defeat in the first Test against West Indies, retaliated in the second match and clinched a comprehensive 133-run win at Old Trafford. The Joe Root-led side had set a challenging target of 312 runs for the visitors but the West Indies side, in response, collapsed on 198, handing over the triumph to the hosts.

One of the highlights of the Test was vice-captain Ben Stokes’ scintillating display. The all-rounder showcased resilience and grit by scoring 176 off 356 deliveries, amassing his slowest Test ton. Stokes’ composed knock was vital in England posting a massive total of 469 in their first innings. The New Zealand-born stalwart turned heads again in the second innings too as Stokes then flaunted his explosive side.

Stokes came out as opener in the second innings to provide England with a flurry of quick runs and scored an unbeaten knock of 78 runs in just 56 balls to put West Indies on the back foot. He even scalped three wickets in the Test. Stokes’ impressive display earned him many accolades as well as the Man of the Match award.

Ben Stokes is currently sitting a the first position with 497 points

Following England’s triumph in the Manchester Test, Stokes’ has also paved his way to the top of ICC Test all-rounder rankings. Stokes ended West Indies skipper Jason Holder’s 18-month reign to clinch the top spot in the list.

The England international is currently sitting a the first position with 497 points, followed by Jason Holder (459) and Ravindra Jadeja (397). Stokes also became the first England player since Flintoff to be at the top of the ICC Test all-rounder rankings.

🚨 RANKINGS UPDATE 🚨

Ben Stokes is the new No.1 all-rounder 🤩

He is the first England player since Flintoff to be at the top of the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's Test Player Rankings for all-rounders.

Full rankings: https://t.co/AIR0KN4yY5 pic.twitter.com/viRzJzuGiC

— ICC (@ICC) July 21, 2020

Along with clinching the top Test all-rounder spot, Stokes also achieved a career-best third rank among the batsmen rankings. Stokes is tied with Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne on 827 points, only behind Steve Smith (911) and Virat Kohli (886).

After levelling the series 1-1, the Three Lions will be eager to clinch victory in the third Test too. The third and final Test of the historic series is also scheduled to be played at Old Trafford from July 24. After the West Indies series, England will again brace the field to host Ireland in a three-match ODI series, starting from July 30.