ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes scripts history, becomes only 2nd player after Kallis to take 250 wickets and score 7000 Test runs

Amid ongoing off-field controversies, England captain Ben Stokes etched his name deeper into cricket history with a landmark achievement during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. By dismissing Mitchell Santner in the first innings, the seam-bowling virtuoso became only the second player in the history of Test cricket, joining legendary South African great Jacques Kallis, to achieve the rare double of 7,000 runs and 250 wickets.

Ben Stokes' historic double in ENG vs NZ 3rd Test

The historic milestone arrived on the final delivery of the 101st over through a signature piece of Stokes aggressive bowling. He unleashed a sharply directed bouncer that brushed the arm guard of Santner, sending a simple catch looping toward gully, where Jacob Bethell safely secured it. The crucial breakthrough ended Santner's brief 12-ball stay for just 4 runs and left the visitors at 413/7.

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Ben Stokes stage England's fightback after New Zealand's dominance

In a critical, must-win encounter for England, Stokes spearheaded the bowling attack with determination on a surface where most of his fellow bowlers struggled to find answers. New Zealand had firmly established themselves in the driver's seat by the end of the opening day, setting up a massive first-innings total. The foundational damage was done by the Blackcaps' opening duo, as skipper Tom Latham smashed a brilliant 151 and Devon Conway contributed a magnificent 157, combining for a monumental 317-run opening partnership that initially left England chasing the game.

Backed by their formidable opening partnership, New Zealand seemed poised to post a truly insurmountable first-innings total. However, England staged a spirited fightback on the second day, consistently striking at regular intervals to stem the run flow. Ben Stokes spearheaded this resurgence, with Santner becoming his fourth victim of the innings. The England skipper proved to be the partnership-breaker and chief destroyer, having already accounted for the crucial wickets of centurion Tom Latham, Will O'Rourke, Daryl Mitchell, and finally, Santner, leaving the visitors at 418 for 7 at the lunch break. Alongside Stokes' four-wicket haul, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Joe Root chipped in with a wicket apiece to help restrict the Kiwis.

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Stokes' impactful performance comes on the heels of immense uncertainty, as a high-profile nightclub incident in London had left his participation in this decisive Test in serious doubt. Both he and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were sidelined for the second match of the series due to the ongoing investigation, a double blow that resulted in a heavy defeat for England. With New Zealand bouncing back to level the three-match series after England won the opener, this clash at Trent Bridge serves as the ultimate decider for the series trophy.