Ben Stokes hammered a record score of 182 in the third match since he unretired from one-day cricket as England is currently facing off against New Zealand at home. His record knock helped his team defeat the BlackCaps by 181 runs in the 3rd ODI at the Oval.
England had batted first and lost the first two wickets quickly when Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes got together and stitched 199 runs for the third wicket with Malan making 96 runs.
But Stokes continued his assault on Kiwi bowlers bringing up his 100 in 76 balls and finishing up with 182 with 9 sixes and 15 fours, breaking Jason Roy’s record of 180, the highest individual score by an England batter in ODIs.
England posted 368 with Trent Boult taking a fifer. But the Kiwis couldn’t do much in the chase as only Glenn Phillips made 72 runs, while they were bowled out 187 and lost by 181 runs. For England, Chris Woakes and Liam Livingstone took three wickets each.
England all-rounder Ben Stokes jokingly "aapologized to teammate Jason Roy for surpassing his highest individual score for England, while speaking in the post-match interview.
"Really pleased. Apologise to Jason (Jason Roy - for breaking his record of highest individual score for England). We spoke about putting New Zealand under pressure and getting to a good start and even after losing those early wickets, we wanted to be positive. Once we got going, we did not want them (bowlers) to settle. As experienced players, we need to guide the younger players.
He (Malan) is a very consistent player, he is a very quality player, rotates the strike very well as well, and missed out on the milestone after getting a strangle down leg. I am feeling much better (in terms of fitness), Test matches are a bit longer but ODIs surely are not that demanding," said Stokes in a post-match presentation.
ENG v NZ 2023: WATCH- Ben Stokes hammers 182, the highest individual score for England in ODIs
Further, Stokes admitted that he knew that he would return to ODI cricket to play the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 to be held in India from October 5. Stokes announced retirement from the ODI last year.
"Obviously I've been asked a lot about my knee over a long period, so I just said to leave it, I knew that I'd be playing in these games and potentially in the World Cup then when I said that, but it was just the easiest thing to say that and put you (the media) off the radar," Stokes said.
Stokes revealed that he only got to know about breaking Jason Roy’s record of 180,when it was announced on the loudspeaker.
"I didn't really know (about the record) until the bloke on the tannoy (loudspeaker) announced it - then I got out next ball. This is the first time that I've been clear in my mind that that's the one thing I can focus on.
I think over the last 18 months, every day has been, 'Will I bowl, will I not bowl?' Now, I know that I can just focus on that… that's my thing for the team now. Having that clarity in my head contributes to that.
I'd prefer not to go in that early because I want to see the other lads at the top do well. I don't think I've necessarily changed my approach in one-day cricket from all the years I spent at No. 5 or 6… I still think that batting at No. 4, I'll go out with the same approach I had at No. 5," he added.
Stokes took home the 'Player of the Match' award. England is leading the series 2-1 with a match to go.
(ANI inputs)
