Top 7 Cricketers of the Week: 7th November – 13th November

#6 Ben Stokes

Stokes showed his true value

England’s talismanic all-rounder and probably their most valuable player, Ben Stokes showed his X-Factor by smashing 128 off 235 balls having walked in at 281-4 in the first innings of the first Test between India and England at Rajkot. He added 62 for the fifth wicket with Moeen Ali and 99 for the sixth wicket with Jonny Bairstow. Stokes then added 52 for the ninth wicket with Zafar Ansari to frustrate the Indian bowlers.

He then showed his value with the ball by picking the prized scalp of Pujara, a man on 124, breaking a 209-run partnership and letting England back into the game after a deflating 2^nd wicket partnership between Pujara and Vijay.

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Special mention: Haseeb Hameed (England)

Haseeb Hameed showed promise on his debut

Debuting in India is never an easy job. Nicknamed Baby Boycott, Hameed, who is just 19 years old, showed maturity way beyond his age and a temperament that may help him cement his place at the top of the batting order. Hameed had some early luck when he was dropped in the first innings of the first Test against India at Rajkot, but showed composure during his 82-ball vigil.

Even though he scored just 31, the foundation ensured England didn’t lose too many too early. Hameed was very attractive in the second innings scoring 82 off 177 deliveries adding an impressive 180 runs with his skipper Alastair Cook on the fifth-day wicket to make sure India didn’t dent into England and put them under pressure. That in any part of the world, would count for an excellent debut.