The cricketing world was set ablaze as England star Ben Stokes stormed back into the One Day International (ODI) arena with a jaw-dropping century against New Zealand in the 3rd ODI at The Oval in London.
Stokes, renowned for his all-round cricketing prowess, smashed his fourth ODI century in spectacular fashion, taking just 76 balls to reach the three-figure mark. This remarkable hundred ended a six-year drought, with his last ODI century dating back to a Champions Trophy match against Australia in June 2017.
Notably, Stokes had announced his retirement from ODI format last year, citing concerns over workload management after being named the Test captain of the side. Stokes scored a half-century in the first ODI against Black Caps in Cardiff. Though he fell cheaply for just 1 run in the 2nd ODI, Stokes bounced back emphatically in the 3rd ODI.
Notably, Trent Boult rattled the England top-order early on at The Oval, reducing them to a precarious 13 for 2. Stokes, joined by Dawid Malan, who returned to the ODI side following a paternity break, formed a sensational 199-run partnership for the 3rd wicket. Stokes unleashed a relentless assault on the bowlers, hammering 11 boundaries and 3 sixes to achieve his 4th ODI century.
Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – England’s star Joe Root issues a strong warning to rivals regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Warming up for the @cricketworldcup in style 💯
Will we see another @benstokes38 special innings on Friday at Lord’s 🤔#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/45lnq8JmZP
— Lord’s Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) September 13, 2023
Ben Stokes 😍 💯 🙌
This has been sublime…
Catch Up Highlights: https://t.co/Rtze6A3Uoh#ENGvNZ | @BenStokes38 pic.twitter.com/Ysf3Hu5wDu
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 13, 2023
If Ben Stokes carries on like this, everyone will want to ‘unretire’.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) September 13, 2023
First ODI hundred for Ben Stokes since 2017 👀👏💪#BenStokes #ENGvNZ #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/2wUZLlNzBb
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 13, 2023
Ben Stokes carnage…!!!
13*(19) to 100*(76) – The beast is back for England in the middle order. 🔥pic.twitter.com/dKLofnkMQO
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 13, 2023
Ben Stokes come back from retirement and hits a ton.
KL Rahul comes back from injury break and hits a ton.
All big moment players are gearing up for the World Cup. 🔥🙌#WorldCup2023 #England #BenStokes https://t.co/Kz9HjNoUc5
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) September 13, 2023
HUNDRED BY BEN STOKES IN JUST 76 BALLS….!!!
What a crazy knock by Stokes – he’s made a grand return to ODI cricket. This format missed the superstar Stokes, what a comeback! pic.twitter.com/DtSVe6PPRY
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 13, 2023
Ben Stokesssssssssss
Back from Retirement
Back to centuries @benstokes38 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💯#EngVsNz pic.twitter.com/1snmKHRDY5— Blood Flow Density – 32 MM (@vedanthamharsha) September 13, 2023
This is Ben Stokes’ fastest ODI hundred (76 balls) and his first since June 2017.
Of the 63 ODI hundreds scored by full member nation players this year, Stokes’ hundred today is the 12th fastest of the lot. #ENGvNZ
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) September 13, 2023
Fearless Benjamin Stokes is back to Business @benstokes38 @englandcricket pic.twitter.com/zWF0Rih38p
— Suresh 🇦🇺 (@Suresh73823465) September 13, 2023
Ben Stokes dedicated his century to his father ❤️
#ENGvNZ @benstokes38 pic.twitter.com/vdnpy2BYQ2— Debraj (@DebrajS07953844) September 13, 2023
It doesn’t take Ben Stokes long to dazzle on his return to ODI cricket 💥
📝 #NZvENG: https://t.co/SnKo0jFw3g pic.twitter.com/PDzHQbtkUv
— ICC (@ICC) September 13, 2023
Ben Stokes just needs 3 innings to get his first CENTURY on his return! #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/LzeBlcE7eA
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) September 13, 2023
Oh, Ben Stokes and a hundred. On occasions, tries to hit it too hard. Loses the shape of his shots.
When he doesn’t do that, a brilliant player.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) September 13, 2023
The Moment Ben Stokes has completed his Hundred.
What a remarkable Comeback by Ben Stokes – What a Cricketer! pic.twitter.com/iSZeebh7Hm
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) September 13, 2023
Lovely Hundred from Ben Stokes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6OsFz9ZH5s
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) September 13, 2023
Man comes out of retirement and scores a 100 off just 76 balls in only his 3rd game. Stokes is just built different. pic.twitter.com/vUYrCffJsy
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) September 13, 2023
This remarkable performance has ignited speculation about Stokes’s evolving role in the England ODI squad and the impact he might have in the forthcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the tournament, and Stokes’s triumphant return has added an extra layer of anticipation to the event.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2023 – Indian skipper Rohit Sharma breaks numerous records in the clash against Sri Lanka
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