Ben Stokes, the powerful captain of England, passed Brendon McCullum on Saturday to become the undisputed leader in sixes hit in Test cricket.
As Stokes hooked seamer Scott Kuggeleijn over fine leg halfway through the third day of the opening Test match against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, he hit his 108th career six.
McCullum was cheering as the 31-year-old all-rounder gave the go-ahead to the dressing room.
After catching the shot but losing his footing and placing his foot on the rope, boundary fielder Neil Wagner gave Stokes a respite, allowing him to make it 109 sixes with the subsequent delivery.
Shortly after Stokes was out for 31, England’s second innings ended with a score of 293-7 and a 312-run advantage.
In comparison to McCullum, who scored 107 sixes in 176 innings across 101 Tests, it took him 90 Tests and 164 innings to attain his total.
Stokes appears to be in line to keep the record for a while.
Tim Southee, the seasoned captain of New Zealand, who has 76 sixes, is the closest player still playing to his total.
