Epic Clash: Ravindra Jadeja vs. Ben Stokes in Upcoming Test Series
A Thrilling Showdown Awaits
The upcoming series between India and England, featuring five Test matches, sets the stage for an exciting rivalry between two of the best all-rounders in modern cricket: India's Ravindra Jadeja and England's Ben Stokes. Stokes has revolutionized English Test cricket with his aggressive 'Bazball' approach, developed under coach Brendon McCullum.
As they prepare to face off on June 20 in Leeds, both Jadeja and Stokes will bring a wealth of experience to their teams. Their long-standing rivalry, which has seen them compete both at home and abroad, is poised to add new chapters as they kick off the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.
Jadeja boasts an impressive record against England, amassing 1,031 runs in 20 matches and 33 innings, averaging 33.25 with two centuries and six fifties. His highest score stands at 112. Additionally, he has claimed 70 wickets against England at an average of 32.57, including two five-wicket hauls, with his best figures being 7/48.
In his ten Tests on English soil, Jadeja has scored 563 runs at an average of 31.27, featuring a century and three fifties. His best performance of 104 occurred during his last encounter with England at Edgbaston in 2022. While his bowling stats in England may not be as stellar, he has excelled on spin-friendly pitches back home.
Conversely, Stokes has struggled against India with the bat, accumulating 972 runs in 21 matches and 40 innings at an average of 24.92, including one century and five fifties, with a top score of 128. His bowling record against India is more favorable, with 40 wickets at an average of 31.17, and his best figures being 5/73.
At home, Stokes' batting average against India is notably low at 18.75, having scored just 225 runs in seven Tests and 12 innings, with only one half-century. However, his bowling has shone, taking 26 wickets in seven Tests at an impressive average of 16.65, with best figures of 4/28.
Jadeja has had the upper hand in their personal encounters, dismissing Stokes six times in 19 meetings, with Stokes averaging just over 20 against him and a strike rate around 53.
The question remains: who will emerge victorious in this epic battle of cricketing titans?