Ben Stokes scripts history with Ashes fifer in Perth: Details
What's the story
Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, has etched his name in Ashes history by achieving the best bowling figures ever recorded by an England skipper against Australia in Test cricket. His remarkable spell of 5/23 in Perth surpassed Gubby Allen's long-standing record of 5/36 at the Gabba in December 1936. Stokes's six-over blitz decimated Australia's middle and lower order with precision, taking down Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland.
Fastest 5-for
Stokes's 5-wicket haul: A quick achievement in Test cricket
Stokes took just 36 balls to complete his five-wicket haul, making it the third-fastest by an England seamer in Test cricket history. The only ones to have done it quicker are Stuart Broad (19 balls against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2015 and 34 balls against New Zealand at Lord's in 2013). This was Stokes's sixth five-wicket haul in Tests and his third Ashes five-for.
Historic feat
Stokes's achievement: A significant milestone for England
Stokes's achievement is especially significant as it comes in his first competitive match since suffering a shoulder injury in July. His spell handed England a vital 40-run lead in their quest to win a Test series Down Under for the first time since 2010-11. Notably, England posted 172/10 batting first. Stokes's fifer meant the hosts were restricted to 132/10 in response.
Record-breaking performance
Stokes's achievement surpasses other England captains in Ashes Tests
The list of five-wicket hauls by England captains in Ashes Tests now features Stokes at the top with his 5/23 (2023, Perth). He is followed by Allen's 5/36 (1936, Brisbane), Johnny Douglas's 5/46 (1912, Melbourne), Freddie Brown's 5/49 (1951, Melbourne), and Stanley Jackson's 5/52 (1905, Nottingham). Bob Willis who took 5/66 in Brisbane in 1982 completes this elite list.
Stats
6th five-wicket haul for Stokes in Tests
Stokes picked 5 wickets for 23 runs from his six overs (1 maiden). The right-arm pacer has now raced to 235 Test wickets at an average of 31.06 from 116 matches. This was his 6th five-wicket haul in Tests. Versus the Aussies, Stokes now has 46 Ashes scalps from 25 matches (32 innings) at 35.21. He picked his 3rd five-wicket haul in The Ashes.