Ben Stokes the Ultimate Bowling Allrounder celebrated his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket with the enthusiasm of a man unclogging a toilet, understated and oddly humble. But there was nothing small about the achievement. By joining legends like Ian Botham, Garry Sobers, and Jacques Kallis, who also boast five five-fors and ten Test centuries—Stokes has entered elite allrounder territory. Still, he looked a touch shy as he raised the match ball.
That modesty stems partly from his leadership style and partly from the long wait, his last five-for came way back in 2017 against West Indies at Lord’s. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, from off-field controversies to injuries that threatened to end his bowling days. But now, Ben Stokes the Ultimate Bowling Allrounder has returned with a vengeance in this series against India.
His 5 for 72 helped restrict India to 358 and gave England a fighting chance. With 16 wickets in the series, he’s now the top wicket-taker. The old Stokes, the aggressive, relentless wicket-hunter, is back, and he’s arguably better than ever.
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A Glimpse of Vintage Stokes
The Stokes we’re seeing now is very much a reflection of his 2019–2020 peak, when he bowled over 368 overs and claimed 41 wickets, even without taking a five-for. It wasn’t just about numbers, it was about rhythm, control, and confidence. And now, Ben Stokes the Ultimate Bowling Allrounder is recreating that magic.
Ahead of this series, Stokes went back to rewatch his famous spell in Cape Town against South Africa, where he took 3 for 1 to win the match. That moment became his visual blueprint, and it’s paying off. His bowling is faster, sharper, and more consistent than in recent years.
England batter Zak Crawley, who saw both spells up close, says Ben Stokes the Ultimate Bowling Allrounder is once again delivering that unplayable “zip” and bounce that can turn games. His average speed this summer, 135.38kph, is among the best he’s ever recorded in a home season. And on day two of this Test, he exploited swing conditions by pitching the ball fuller, taking crucial wickets like Thakur and Kamboj.
Stokes has already bowled more overs in this series than in any of his previous ones. That’s a sign that his body, once a constant concern, is finally cooperating. And that has allowed Ben Stokes the Ultimate Bowling Allrounder to go from impact spells to leading the bowling charge.
The Fitness Fix and Mental Growth
The transformation started with a long-overdue knee surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup. That procedure, and what followed, changed everything. Although he later suffered two hamstring injuries, Stokes had already discovered the importance of a leaner body and smarter recovery.
Ben Stokes the Ultimate Bowling Allrounder is now reaping the rewards. After bowling 44 overs in a single Test at Lord’s, he bounced back quickly, even participating in full training ahead of the next match. At Old Trafford, he bowled indoors, a tough ask on the joints, and batted on the eve of the Test, before delivering another 24 overs in India’s first innings.
The secret to this consistency? Smarter rehab, better balance, and mental focus. Even his captaincy seems sharper now. Earlier concerns about whether Stokes could handle the dual role of captain and allrounder have been put to rest. Ben Stokes the Ultimate Bowling Allrounder is thriving under pressure, knowing when to rest, when to attack, and when to pull the plug.
Take Lord’s, for example. He bowled long spells, removed key players like KL Rahul and Bumrah, but knew exactly when to stop. There’s no ego at play, just smart, match-winning choices. And that’s the hallmark of a player in complete control.
He’s even found a healthy lifestyle balance. While he gave up alcohol to recover from injury, he now allows himself the occasional drink after a good day’s play. It’s all part of the new, improved Ben Stokes the Ultimate Bowling Allrounder.
At 34, Stokes has grown into his role. He’s more than just a man for the big moments. He’s now a complete, dependable fast-bowling allrounder who brings game-changing skill and intensity to every match.
Ben Stokes the Ultimate Bowling Allrounder was once hard to define, was he a batting allrounder? A match-winner who only showed up in moments? But now, there’s no doubt. His bowling is the best it’s ever been, and his place among the game’s elite is secure.
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