“100 is just a number”: Appreciative Ben Stokes concentrated on finishing the important Test against India in Rajkot

Ben Stokes, the captain of England, has downplayed the importance of reaching a milestone of 100 Test matches, stating that he has been focused on giving it his all in every Three Lions encounter. As Stokes leads the visiting team against India in the third round of the current 5-match series on Thursday in Rajkot, he will become the 16th player from England to play at least 100 Test matches.

Ben Stokes expressed his gratitude for the chances he has had over the years, but he said he wouldn’t feel particularly emotional about playing in his 100th Test match.

After a week-long holiday in Abu Dhabi, England will be fired up for Rajkot, and the captain’s 100th Test match will undoubtedly provide the team with even more incentive.

“Every test has the same weight as the subsequent one. After that, there will be another one, which will be number 101. It’s only one more,” Stokes said in Rajkot, according to a BBC report.

“It’s a lifespan indicator, but whether you’re 99, 100, or 101 doesn’t really matter. It is only a figure.

“I don’t want it to sound like I’m not thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, but with milestones, it’s not done until it’s done,” he said.

Since making his debut in 2013, Ben Stokes has developed into one of the best all-around players in the league. With time and expertise, Stokes has also been able to prioritize each of the three forms and control his workload at different phases of his career.

Stokes’ rise to the England leadership has been one of the most amazing tales in contemporary cricket history. He has dedicated his life to Test cricket. As England’s Test captain, the all-rounder has seen remarkable success, and his collaboration with head coach Brendon McCullum has generated much buzz in the community. Under his leadership, England has won 14 of the last 20 Test matches.

Stokes clarified that while he has been bowling in the nets, he would not be doing so during the current Test series in India.

Following the ODI World Cup, Stokes, who had been dealing with a knee ailment throughout 2023, had surgery. Since then, he has made it quite apparent that he would be participating in the Indian Test series as a hitter.

“We don’t have a strategy on where my intensity will go. Not going too far ahead, but it’s exactly how I feel right now. This was another improvement, but my body still has to catch up to bowling,” he said.

England will be eager to take the first blow to India, who are hindered by injury and player availability worries, in Rajkot with the series tied at one.