Ben Stokes described his century against West Indies in Barbados as one of the most memorable of his career, dedicating the innings to his late father, Ged, who passed away in late 2020. The England vice-captain scored 120 from 128 balls on day two of the Test, hitting 11 fours and six sixes, marking his first Test hundred since his father's death and a return to form after a four-month break from cricket last summer.
Stokes, who also struggled during the Ashes tour in Australia, opened up about the celebration that followed his 11th Test century. “It was a very special feeling,” he said. “Of the hundreds I’ve got personally, that’s probably one of the more memorable ones with everything that’s gone on over the last 18 months. I got 99 in India last year and it was a bit of a dagger in the heart but it was nice to get there and remember [his father] that way. I don’t like to speak selfishly but it was a nice feeling to look up to the sky.”
Stokes was quick to praise teammates Joe Root, who scored 153, and Dan Lawrence, who made 91 on the opening day, as well as debutant Matthew Fisher, who claimed his maiden Test wicket. Reflecting on England's strong position, with West Indies at 71 for one, trailing by 436 runs, Stokes expressed optimism. “We’d have liked a couple more but signs are quite exciting,” he said. “I don’t want to be eating my words here but I can’t see it getting any better. I think the spinner is in the game and the seamers feel in the game too.”
For West Indies, Kemar Roach reached a personal milestone by dismissing Root, taking his 236th Test wicket. This moved him past Sir Garfield Sobers on the all-time West Indies wicket-takers list. “It’s amazing,” Roach said. “It’s good to be among the greats. To write my name on the wall above Sir Garry is a fantastic achievement. There’s no better place to do it, this is the home of cricket in the Caribbean.”
