The star all-rounder Ben Stokes has created a world record after going one over England's coach Brendon McCullum's feat against New Zealand on Day 3 of the first Test on Saturday (February 18). England skipper Stokes now become the leading six hitter in Test cricket as he has smashed a total of 109 maximums in the longest format so far.
Stokes grabbed this milestone when he took the crease in England's second innings. The 31-year-old clobbered two sixes in his knock of 31 off 33 balls which was also decorated with three fours. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Stokes went for a hook shot off Scott Kuggeleijn and nailed it over the fine leg boundary for a maximum. It was the 108th six of his Test career which earned him the world record. It looked like Stokes was fully aware of the landmark as he burst into a smile following confirmation of the record. Stokes didn't stop there deposited another one out of the park.
McCullum, who previously held the record of smashing most sixes in Tests, looked happy and gave the all-rounder a big round of applause to acknowledge the rare milstone.
Another milestone was registered during the match as James Anderson and Stuart Broad became just the second pair in Test history to take 1000 wickets while playing together.
Talking about the match, New Zealand won the toss and decided to bowl first. On Day 1, courtesy of Ben Duckett and Harry Brook's 80-odd runs, England put up a score of 325/9 after 58.2 overs. In reply at Stumps, NZ were reeling at 37 for 3. However, on the second day, the Blackcaps made a comeback. And through Devon Convey's 77 and Tom Blundell's 138, they managed to go past 300. NZ's innings stood at 306. Then half-centuries from Root, Brook and Ben Foakes ensured England posted 374 in their second innings, setting New Zealand 394 to win. Broad then picked up the opening wicket of New Zealand's second innings by bowling Devon Conway, taking him and Anderson's partnership to 1002 wickets, moving them one ahead of the legendary combination of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. Chasing the target, New Zealand are currently in trouble as two wickets have fallen cheaply.
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