Ben Stokes sets record England ODI score with brutal knock against New Zealand

The 32-year-old was in blistering form in London, battering 15 fours and nine sixes on his way to the record-breaking score that set England up for a mammoth 181-run victory to claim a 2-1 lead in the series.

Jason Roy had previously held the record for highest individual score, making 180 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in January 2018.

Roy broke Alex Hales’ record of 171, set at Trent Bridge against Pakistan in 2016, while the previous record of 167 had stood for 23 years, with Robin Smith making 167* against Australia way back in 1993.

Stokes had retired from ODIs but returned last month to play in the upcoming World Cup in India, starting on 5 October.

England national selector Luke Wright’s words at the time now seem prophetic, as he said: ‘The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership.

‘I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again.’

England finished the first innings of the match on 368 all out, the second highest total ever in an ODI at The Oval, only behind the 398/5 New Zealand made at the ground in 2015.

Stokes and Malan put on an enormous partnership of 199 for the third wicket, with Malan falling on 96 to Trent Boult, who ended with impressive figures of 9.1-51-5.

New Zealand needed to make a strong start in response but were reduced to 37-4 and, despite a useful knock from Glenn Phillips, were all out for 187, with England securing a thumping 181-run victory.

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