Ben Stokes Joins Jacques Kallis in Elite Test Club With 7,000 Runs and 250 Wickets
Ben Stokes makes history in the ongoing 3rd Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on June 26, 2026, becoming only the second player after legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis to achieve the remarkable double of 7,000 Test runs and 250 wickets. This pivotal milestone was reached during his impactful return for England, showcasing his exceptional batting.
Ben Stokes, England's dynamic Test captain, has delivered a truly historic performance on his return to the Test arena, joining an exclusive club alongside South African legend Jacques Kallis. On Day 2 of the gripping third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, Stokes achieved the remarkable all-round milestone of surpassing 7,000 runs and claiming 250 wickets in Test cricket. England vs New Zealand Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast in India, 3rd Test 2026, Day 2.
Ben Stokes Joins Jacques Kallis
📈 Players with 7000 runs and 250 wickets in Test cricket:
🔘 Jacques Kallis
🔘 Ben Stokes
An incredible spell this morning from Ben Stokes to make history at Trent Bridge ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KF7U8exGwj
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 26, 2026
The 35-year-old all-rounder reached this incredible landmark today, June 26, 2026, by dismissing New Zealand's Mitchell Santner with a fiery bouncer, catching an arm guard and caught by Jacob Bethell at gully for his 250th Test wicket. This pivotal moment underscored his fighting spirit and class, especially significant after his return to the side following a one-match disciplinary suspension.
A Return Forged in Fire
Stokes' return to the team for the series-deciding Test comes after he and teammate Gus Atkinson were stood down for breaching a team curfew following England's victory in the opening Test at Lord's. The series was finely poised at 1-1 entering this Trent Bridge encounter, which commenced on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
New Zealand had dominated Day 1, with openers Tom Latham (151) and Devon Conway (157) putting on a record-breaking 317-run partnership against England. It was Stokes who eventually broke this formidable stand, providing the crucial breakthrough by dismissing Latham. He continued to lead England's fightback with an inspired spell, ultimately claiming four wickets in the first innings as the Kiwis reached lunch on Day 2 at 418-7. Tom Latham Draws Level with Martin Crowe as Joint-Third Highest Century Maker in Test For New Zealand.
The Elite Club
Ben Stokes now stands as only the second player in Test history to register over 7,000 runs and take 250 wickets. The only other player to have achieved this monumental double is Jacques Kallis, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. Kallis concluded his illustrious career with 13,289 runs and 292 wickets. Stokes' current career statistics stand at 7,228 Test runs and precisely 250 wickets.
Test Cricket's Exclusive All-Rounders (7,000+ Runs & 250+ Wickets)
| Player | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Jacques Kallis | 13,289 | 292 |
| Ben Stokes | 7,228 | 250 |
The third Test between England and New Zealand is being played at the iconic Trent Bridge in Nottingham, a venue with a seating capacity of over 17,000 spectators. Stokes' heroic performance has not only reshaped the immediate contest but also added another glorious chapter to his already storied career, once again proving his immense value to the England Test team.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 06:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
