Ben Stokes equals Gilchrist, on the cusp of topping coach McCullum

England captain Ben Stokes has joined former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist for an elite Test record. The cricketer clubbed one-six in his short stay at the crease against New Zealand on Day 2 of the ongoing third Test of the series.

His latest six, backed by four more he hammered during the thrilling run-chase of the previous match, has extended his Test career tally to 100 sixes.

Stokes has now equalled Gilchrist, who also piled up exactly 100 sixes during his glittering Test career. But, as of now, the English all-rounder is only behind former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who has 107 maximums to his name.

Remarkably, McCullum is currently sharing the dressing room with Stokes as Test coach of the English cricket team.

Among the leading six-hitters in Tests, the three cricketers are followed by West Indies and South African batting icons Chris Gayle and Jacques Kallis. Gayle has 98 sixes to his name, while the mercurial Proteas all-rounder had registered 97 sixes in his career.

Stokes will now resume action for England on Day 3 of the final Test against the visitors at Leeds.

At stumps on Day 2, the hosts reached 264-6 from 49 overs, trailing the visitors by another 65 runs. In-form batter Jonny Bairstow registered his 10th Test ton and the second in succession and will resume his side’s response at 130* on Day 3. Bairstow will join debutant Jamie Overton at the crease, who himself ended the day at 89*.