![Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1750051654610_Woakes_Stokes.jpg?type=mq)
Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]
A revamped Indian cricket team, led by new captain Shubman Gill, arrives in England for a highly anticipated five-Test series starting June 20th in Leeds. This contest presents a significant challenge for England, who might consider themselves as favourites for the upcoming contest.
Adding further intrigue, two of England's most experienced players, captain Ben Stokes and seamer Chris Woakes, stand on the brink of major career milestones during this series too.
Elite Batting Milestones For Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes, renowned for his match-winning knocks and crucial bowling spells in high-pressure situations, is closing in on significant run-scoring landmarks.
1. Stokes Near To 11,000 International Runs
He needs just 224 runs to reach 11,000 international runs for England. Achieving this would make him only the 11th Englishman to cross that threshold. Currently, he has 10,776 runs from 268 matches at an average of 35.80, including 18 centuries and 60 fifties.
2. Nearing 7,000 Test Runs
In Test cricket specifically, Ben Stokes is 272 runs shy of 7,000 Test runs. He would become the 13th English batter to reach this mark. His current Test tally stands at 6,728 runs in 111 matches (199 innings), averaging 35.41, with 13 hundreds and 35 half-centuries.
Chris Woakes Eyes Wicket-Taking Landmarks
With the responsibility of leading a new-look pace attack featuring Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and Sam Cook, in the absence of legends James Anderson and Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes also has personal milestones within reach.
1. Woakes Near 200 Test Wickets
He requires 19 wickets to claim 200 Test scalps. Currently, he has 181 wickets from 57 Tests at an average of 28.24, including best figures of 6/17, five five-wicket hauls, and one ten-wicket match haul.
2. Woakes Closes Down On 400 International Wickets
More notably, Chris Woakes is just 15 wickets away from 400 international wickets. Only seven English bowlers have ever achieved this feat. Across 212 international appearances, he has taken 385 wickets at 28.90, with eight fifers and one ten-fer. He is already England's ninth-highest wicket-taker across all formats.
Therefore, the series promises compelling cricket as England's established, aggressive approach meets India's fresh leadership and talent, with individual milestones adding another layer of drama.
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