Follow UsEngland were at rock bottom in Test cricket when Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum joined hands in 2022, with one win in 17 Tests, but the duo have since completely turned around the Three Lions’ fortunes in the longest format.
As it stands, England are the second-ranked team in the world in Test cricket. Since May 2022, England have won more Tests (22) than any other team in the world and have a win/loss ratio of 1.833, the second-best among all teams in the world during the aforementioned time period.
The results have been there for the world to see, but Stokes and McCullum have always maintained that the primary goal of this English Test side is to revolutionise Test cricket by entertaining people.
Well, you might not be a fan of this England team’s arrogance, but what’s undeniable is that they’ve walked the talk.
In the ongoing one-off Test against Zimbabwe, a four-day affair, England racked up 566/6 d in just 96.3 overs, going at a run-rate of 5.85. It’s the third-fastest 500+ score in history of Test cricket.
That’s not the outrageous stat here. Each of the top five fastest innings in Tests (500+ totals) have now been played by England under the leadership of Stokes.
Highest run rate in a Test innings (500+ totals)
6.50 - England vs Pakistan in Rawalpindi, 2022
6.33 - England vs Ireland at Lord's, 2023
5.85 - England vs Zimbabwe in Nottingham, 2025*
5.49 - England vs Australia in Manchester, 2023
5.48 - England vs Pakistan in Multan, 2024
This is Bazball’s legacy, and well, you have to say that it’s undeniable.