After delivering a defining performance in the second Test to lead England to a win, Ben Stokes earned the player of the match award. This success translated into a ranking boost, with Tuesday's ICC report placing him as the No. 1 Test all-rounder with 497 points. This achievement knocks West Indies captain Jason Holder off the top spot, ending Holder's dominance which had lasted a year and a half. Additionally, Stokes reached a new career peak, ranking third among Test batsmen.
Stokes is the first Englishman to lead the all-rounder rankings since Andrew Flintoff did so in May 2006. At the time, Flintoff's 497 points set a benchmark that stood until April 2008, when Jacques Kallis pushed the record further to 517.
Joe Root, the England captain, lauded Stokes for his versatility, noting that his impact with both the bat and ball was the turning point for the team. His teammate James Anderson went a step further, calling the 29-year-old the best all-rounder he has ever encountered in a locker room and suggesting he is on a path to becoming an England legend. As England and the West Indies prepare for their final Test clash this Friday at Old Trafford, the home side is counting on another spark of magic from Stokes to secure the series trophy.