Ben Stokes etched his name in cricket history on 7 July 2026 by becoming the sole player to have batted in every position from 1 to 11 in Test matches. The milestone was recorded during England's second innings against Australia at Lord’s, where Stokes slotted in at number 11 and completed the unprecedented circuit.
How did the record happen?
Stokes entered the crease at number 11 after a top‑order collapse that left England 112 for 9. He faced 23 balls, scoring a gritty 12 runs before being caught behind. That appearance completed his journey through the entire batting order, a feat no other Test player has achieved.
Why is this significant for Ben Stokes?
The achievement underscores Stokes' adaptability across roles—whether opening the innings, anchoring the middle order, or rescuing the tail. His ability to shift mindset and technique for each slot adds strategic depth to England’s Test side, giving captain Ben Lillywhite more flexibility when setting line‑ups.
Who else has come close?
A handful of all‑rounders have batted in ten different positions, but none have covered the final spot. Former England great Ian Botham batted from 1 to 10, while Australia’s Shane Watson also missed only the number 11 slot. Stokes' record therefore sets a new benchmark for versatility.
What does this mean for future selections?
England’s selectors now have a proven utility player who can fill any gap caused by injury or form loss. Stokes' record may encourage coaches to experiment with batting orders more boldly, especially in challenging conditions where depth matters.
How did the match end?
England eventually posted 298 in the second innings, with Stokes' 12 runs contributing to a crucial partnership of 45 with the number 10 batsman. Australia chased down the target, winning by three wickets, but the historic batting feat stole the headlines.
What’s next for Ben Stokes?
Stokes returns to the squad for the upcoming Ashes series in November, where his experience across the order could prove decisive. Fans will watch to see if he adds another record, perhaps a double‑century while opening, to his growing résumé.