Ben Stokes struck the highest score by an England batsman in a one-day international on Wednesday, smashing a blistering 182 as the hosts piled up 368 against New Zealand at The Oval.
But Stokes only recently reversed his ODI retirement ahead of next month’s ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in India.
His stunning 124-ball innings, including 15 fours and nine sixes, surpassed Jason Roy’s previous England record of 180 against Australia at Melbourne in 2018.
Stokes, whose previous ODI top score was 102 not out, received excellent support in a third-wicket partnership of 199 with Dawid Malan (96).
Test captain Stokes, in the absence of the injured Mitchell Santner, punished New Zealand’s spinners.
He was especially severe on Rachin Ravindra (0-28 in two overs), hoisting the slow left-armer for three big sixes.
Stokes, as the sun came out in south London, went to 150 by slamming occasional off-spinner Glenn Phillips for a six over mid-wicket.
He broke Roy’s record in style with a six off Ben Lister, only to hole out off the paceman two balls later to spark an England collapse from 348-5 to 368 all out.
Highest individual score for England in ODIs
| Player | Runs | Mins | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Team | Opposition | Ground | Match Date | Scorecard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA Stokes | 182 | 185 | 124 | 15 | 9 | 146.77 | England | v New Zealand | The Oval | 13 Sep 2023 | ODI # 4643 |
| JJ Roy | 180 | 151 | 151 | 16 | 5 | 119.20 | England | v Australia | Melbourne | 14 Jan 2018 | ODI # 3951 |
| AD Hales | 171 | 166 | 122 | 22 | 4 | 140.16 | England | v Pakistan | Nottingham | 30 Aug 2016 | ODI # 3773 |
| RA Smith | 167* | 208 | 163 | 17 | 3 | 102.45 | England | v Australia | Birmingham | 21 May 1993 | ODI # 831 |
| JC Buttler | 162* | 107 | 70 | 7 | 14 | 231.42 | England | v Netherlands | Amstelveen | 17 Jun 2022 | ODI # 4413 |
| JJ Roy | 162 | 172 | 118 | 13 | 3 | 137.28 | England | v Sri Lanka | The Oval | 29 Jun 2016 | ODI # 3757 |
| DI Gower | 158 | 177 | 118 | 18 | 4 | 133.89 | England | v New Zealand | Brisbane | 15 Jan 1983 | ODI # 168 |
| AJ Strauss | 158 | 188 | 145 | 18 | 1 | 108.96 | England | v India | Bengaluru | 27 Feb 2011 | ODI # 3110 |
| AJ Strauss | 154 | 201 | 140 | 16 | 5 | 110.00 | England | v Bangladesh | Birmingham | 12 Jul 2010 | ODI # 3026 |
| JJ Roy | 153 | 153 | 121 | 14 | 5 | 126.44 | England | v Bangladesh | Cardiff | 08 Jun 2019 | ODI # 4153 |
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!