Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes has hit a record-breaking 17 sixes in a County Championship fixture against Worcestershire.
Stokes has recently been in the headlines after being appointed as the new England Test captain, and the 30-year-old has started his summer by producing a swash-buckling knock for his county.
Arriving at the crease with Durham on 360-4, Stokes had the freedom to cut loose, but few could have anticipated the level of boundary-making which would follow.
Stokes ended with 161 being scored off 88 balls, his eight fours being significantly trumped by 17 maximums, beating the previous record of 16 held by Andrew Symonds and Graham Napier.
The highlight of the innings came when Stokes hit five sixes in succession, Josh Baker being the unfortunate bowler who conceded 34 runs during that over with Stokes only narrowly missing out on the full set.
In sharp contrast in the field, Stokes's first five overs with the ball went for just one run.
Darren Plant
