Ben Stokes creates record, smashes 17 sixes in an innings for Durham to break Symonds' mark

London, May 7: England Test Captain and Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes hit a record-breaking 17 sixes in a single county cricket innings.

He surpassed Australian hard-hitter Andrew Symonds' record. Symonds while representing Gloucestershire hit 16 sixes back in 1995 against Glamorgan.

Other than Symonds, Graham Napier of Essex had hit 16 sixes in a single county cricket innings in 2011 against Surrey.

Coming back to Stokes, the England all-rounder accomplished this feat during his side's match against Worcestershire in the County Championship Division Two 2022 at New Road in Worcester.

This memorable knock by the Englishman also included an onslaught in the 117th over of the game, in which he smashed spinner Josh Baker for a whopping 6,6,6,6,6,4 in a single over. This fast-tracked Stokes from 70 (59) to 100 (64).

The all-rounder was finally dismissed by Worcestershire captain and spinner Brett D'Oliveira. His 88-ball 161 at the end included 8 fours and 17 sixes.

At the innings break, Durham stands at 580/6 declared in 128 overs, with Ned Eckersley and Liam Trevaskis unbeaten at 0.

For Durham, Sean Dickson (104), Keegan Petersen (50), captain Scott Borthwick (89), David Bedingham (135) also played some brilliant knocks.

Pacer Ben Gibbon was the pick of the bowlers for Worcestershire, getting 2/94 in 25 overs, with four of them maidens.

Notably, England Cricket Board in April had announced the appointment of all-rounder Ben Stokes as the men's Test team captain.

Stokes succeeded Joe Root in becoming the 81st captain of the England men's Test team.

Commenting on the appointment, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, said: “I had no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben. “He epitomises the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket.

“I am delighted that he has accepted, and he is ready for the added responsibility and the honour. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity.”

Brief Scores: Durham: 580/6 declared (Ben Stokes 161, David Bedingham, Ben Gibbon 2/94) vs Worcestershire.