England in West Indies: Ben Stokes returns to starring position with century in Barbados

Ben Stokes

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Stokes’ 120 was his 11th hundred in Tests

As Ben Stokes repeatedly launched cricket balls towards jubilant England fans, some of their greatest memories were being stirred.

In Australia this winter the talismanic all-rounder, understandably after a difficult 18 months, resembled a superhero stripped of their cape during England’s humiliating Ashes defeat.

In Barbados he batted like that outfit had been freshly fitted and zipped up ready for another starring role.

Stokes swaggered like only he can in crashing 120 from 128 balls – captain Joe Root passing 150 a mere sideshow in a thrilling, Stokes-fuelled morning session on day two of the second Test against West Indies.

It was his first century since July 2020, a period in which Stokes has had a series of challenges to overcome.

In December 2020, Stokes’ father Ged died and four months later Stokes suffered a serious finger fracture while playing in the Indian Premier League.

That injury would rule the all-rounder out for three months…

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