Brendon McCullum defeated Ben Stokes in six-hitting competition in 2022 [Source: @WaqasFederer/youtube.com]
As they say, birds of a feather flock together, and it couldn't be more fitting than for England's captain Ben Stokes, and head coach Brendon McCullum. These two power-hitters occupy the top spots in Test cricket's six-hitting charts, with Stokes leading the way with 131 sixes in 106 matches, followed by McCullum, who smashed 107 sixes in 101 games.
Ahead of the upcoming PAK vs ENG Test in Rawalpindi, the two stalwarts were involved in a light-hearted six-hitting contest, The pair once again put their power-hitting abilities to the test, much to the delight of their teammates.
Ben Stokes Lost the Six-Hitting Battle to Brendon McCullum in 2022
However, this wasn't the first time the duo faced off in such a battle. Their rivalry dates back to December 2022, when England last toured Pakistan. The six-hitting contest back then, which unfolded in a penalty shootout format, became an iconic training ground clash between the two.
Much like a game of cat and mouse, the contest saw both players trading blows with massive hits down the ground. Brendon McCullum, despite having traded his playing gear for a coach’s cap, proved that he still had a few tricks up his sleeve. Stokes, on the other hand, was determined to prove why he sits atop the all-time six-hitting leaderboard in Tests.
Stokes took the first swing, advancing down the track but only managing a toe-end that landed short. McCullum, always the opportunist, stepped up and blasted a huge six, sparking cheers from English players. The next few deliveries saw Ben Stokes finding his range, sending a couple of massive blows over the ropes, matching McCullum shot-for-shot.
However, as pressure mounted, Stokes missed a crucial delivery, reacting with frustration by throwing his bat and covering his face with both hands. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from the otherwise cool as a cucumber English captain.
Sensing victory, McCullum stepped up and sealed the contest with a magnificent shot over long-off, leaving Stokes to his knees, hiding his face in mock embarrassment. Despite the intense rivalry, the two shared a warm embrace, showcasing the spirit of the game.
In a deja vu moment, the recent six-hitting showdown in Rawalpindi saw McCullum once again getting the better of Stokes. Despite the English captain’s best efforts, McCullum managed to outlast his opponent in the final stages.