Ben Stokes pays tribute to his father after scoring a ton against West Indies

Ben Stokes scored a whirlwind 120 off 128 deliveries in the second Test match between England and the West Indies. And, this was a special moment for Stokes, as it was his first Test ton after his father’s demise. Stokes’ father passed away in December 2020.

After completing his 11th Test century, Stokes removed his helmet, looked up at the skies, and paid a tribute to his father. Stokes also went past 5000 Test runs during his knock against the West Indies as well.

“120 with 6 SIXES! Ben Stokes’ explosive ton lights up Bridgetown,” read a tweet from the official Twitter handle of FanCode. You can see the gesture from Ben Stokes after his century against the West Indies in the video below.

Joe Root and Ben Stokes help England pile up a total of 507/9

Batting first, England declared for a mammoth total of 507/9. While skipper Root scored a scintillating 153 off 316 deliveries, Stokes bludgeoned 120 at a strike rate of over 90. The duo was also involved in a partnership of 129 runs for the fourth wicket as well.

Apart from Root and Stokes, Dan Lawrence also chipped in with a vital 150-ball 91 with the willow in hand. Stokes became the 23rd England batter to go past the 5000-run mark in Test cricket. He has currently scored 5036 runs at an average of 36.49, with 11 centuries and 26 half-centuries to his name.

For the West Indies, Veerasammy Permaul scalped three wickets with the red cherry in hand, while Kemar Roach prized out a couple of batters. The West Indies ended Day two with their scorecard reading 71/1 after 27 overs. After John Campbell fell with the scoreboard reading 14, skipper Kraigg Brathwaite and Shamarh Brooks forged an undefeated stand of 57 runs for the second wicket to keep the England bowlers at bay till stumps on the second day.

West Indies still trial England’s first innings total by 436 runs. The three-match series is currently locked at 0-0 after the first Test ended in a draw.