How England marked Ben Stokes' 100th Test ahead of India clash

The captain is the 76th player to bring up the landmark and before play in Rajkot was given a special cap to mark the occasion by assistant coach Paul Collingwood

Nick Howson | 15/02/2024 at 07:14

From inspiring speeches, awkward dignitaries, special caps and family photos, cricket likes a presentation.

And when it comes to marking an individual bringing up 100 Test appearances - and given the trajectory of the game just how many more will reach this kind of landmark? - it is no different.

Ben Stokes is bringing up a century of Tests, becoming the 76th player to do so, during the third Test against India in Rajkot.

But instead of a ceremony on the field, the 32-year-old was presented with his cap in the confines of the England dressing room once the team arrived at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium ahead of play on day one.

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Stokes has been keen to play down the achievement in the lead-up to his 100th Test (PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP via Getty Images)

It was Paul Collingwood, another Durham native, who conducted the presentation with a speech away from prying eyes.

It was a dignified moment consistent with Stokes' desire to downplay the significance of the landmark, which sees him become the 16th player representing England to bring up three figures.

🧢 100 caps. Endless memories 😍

Comment below with your favourite Stokesy moment from his Test career so far 👇

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— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 15, 2024

"Every Test is just as important as the next one," he said. "Then there's the next one, which will be 101 - it's just one more.

"It's a sign of longevity, but 99, 100 or 101 doesn't make much difference."

He added: "It's just a number. I don't want it to sound like I'm not thankful for the opportunities I've had, but with milestones, it's not done until it's done."

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Joe Root had led the tributes to Stokes, his successor as England Test captain (RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

Leading the tributes to the skipper was Joe Root, who played his 100th Test at the start of England's last tour of India in 2021 in Chennai.

"From being 12 years old, spotty, chubby teenager abusing me all those years to now so it has been great to play alongside you so many times, so many more times to come as well," he said.

"It was special when you gave me my cap a few years ago. I hope you have a really special game too."

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