Ben Stokes makes screenwriting history, becoming only the second after Jacques Kallis…

Ben Stokes of England successfully appealed (Getty Images) Ben Stokes marked his return to the England Test side in spectacular fashion with a relentless bowling display against New Zealand while joining one of the most exclusive clubs in Test cricket history.The England all-rounder became only the second player in the history of the longest format to combine more than 7,000 Test runs with 250 wickets, joining South Africa’s Jacques Kallis in achieving the remarkable all-rounder’s milestone.At the time of writing, Stokes has scored 7,228 Test runs and taken 250 wickets, while Kallis ended his legendary career with 13,289 runs and 292 wickets.The landmark came during the third Test against New Zealand after the visitors elected to bat first. England endured a frustrating start as Devon Conway and Tom Latham put together a commanding opening partnership of 317, leaving the hosts looking for a breakthrough.It was Stokes who finally broke the deadlock and dismissed Latham to end the mammoth stand. From there, the England captain fought back with inspired spells, long, demanding spells and claimed four wickets to become England’s top performer. His relentless efforts kept England in the contest despite New Zealand’s dominant start.The performance was particularly significant considering the events leading up to his return. Stokes missed the second Test against New Zealand after he and teammate Gus Atkinson were suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaching an unofficial curfew following England’s win in the opening Test at Lord’s.The pair left after the win and were involved in a late-night incident at a Chelsea nightclub. Reports stated that an England team security official was hit by a rugby player from Premiership club Saracens during the incident.Following an investigation, the ECB concluded that Stokes and Atkinson had “breached specific contractual obligations” and issued both players with formal written warnings. However, the independent cricket regulator found that there was “insufficient evidence to show that any breach of regulations took place”.With England reeling from a crushing 253-run defeat in the second Test, both Stokes and Atkinson were immediately recalled for the third Test. Stokes responded in the best possible way, producing a match-defining bowling performance and writing his name in the record books.By achieving the rare double of 7,000 Test runs and 250 wickets, Stokes underlined his status as one of the greatest all-rounders of the modern era, joining Jacques Kallis as the only cricketers to do so.