IND vs ENG | Ben Stokes Eyeing Special Test Captaincy Record In 2nd Test At Vizag 

image-ls34t7alBen Stokes [X.com]

Ben Stokes' pathbreaking run as England Test captain has pushed him on the verge of a spectacular captaincy feat ahead of the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam, starting Friday (February 2). 

The flagbearer of England's ultraggressive and unabashed 'Bazball' tactics, Stokes could become the captain with the highest winning percentage at the helm of affairs. Among captains with a minimum of 20 Tests for their respective countries, the extraordinary cricketer is second with a 70% win rate. 

He is behind only Australian legend Steve Waugh's winning percentage of 71.92 and can match or overhaul the great Aussie figure with another win under his belt in Vizag. Stokes pulled off his 14th win as England Test captain in Hyderabad from 20 Tests, having lost just five. 

Ben Stokes On Verge Of Captaincy Feat 

With a filter of 20 Tests and more played as captain, fellow Australian legends Sir Don Bradman (62.50%) and Ricky Ponting (62.33) hold the third and the fourth spot in the esteemed list, respectively. At fifth is Indian batting great Virat Kohli, who clinched 40 wins in 68 Tests. 

Like Kohli, Stokes has had a great influence and impact on England's fortunes as Test skipper, establishing a winning culture after taking over when the Three Lions were undergoing one of their lowest phases. 

England had won just 1 of their previous 17 Tests when Stokes took the captaincy in mid 2022 and have won 14 of their previous 19 Tests since then. 

Not only has Stokes managed to transform England's results on the park but also inspired an attacking and enterprising brand of cricket collectively played by their players, with coach Brendon McCullum also acting as a major source of encouragement, taking the fear of consequences out of the headspace.