THE TON 'N ONLY

Stokes reaches Test milestone

- DAVID CHARLESWORTH

ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes insists his 100th Test is "just a number" and played down the impressive landmark he will reach against India in Rajkot.

Stokes will become only the 16th Englishman to join the exclusive club of 100 Test appearances this week, more than 10 years on from his debut in the 2013 Ashes series in Adelaide.

He has enjoyed a storied career for England since, though has seldom been one to revel in the limelight.

That was best evidenced by him barely acknowledging his star showing during the Ashes at Headingley in 2019 - and he gave a predictable response to his impending milestone.