Stokes in super show in his first innings as captain

Ben Stokes hits a record 17 sixes as he scores a stunning 88-ball 161 in his first innings since being named the new England Test captain

Ben Stokes marked his first match since being named England Test captain in style by smashing five sixes in a row to bring up a century in the County Championship.

Stokes, who recently replaced Joe Root as skipper looked in imperious form for Durham – taking just 64 balls to reach his 100.

It’s the 30-year-old’s first match since being named at Root’s successor and he starred at Worcestershire on day two of the County Championship – with his century consisting of ten sixes and six fours.

Stokes was only on 70 at the start of the over where he reached his century, before smashing his way to triple figures.

He only fell short of completing a full haul of sixes for the over by following up with another blast that dropped short of the boundary before going away for four.

Stokes didn’t let up after reaching his century either going on to reach 161 in just 88 balls before another swipe for six saw him caught by Jack Haynes near the boundary off the bowling of Brett D’Oliveira.

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The new Test skipper headed into lunch having scored 147 runs off just 82 balls – having hit an additional five sixes following his century.

Continuing after the interval, Stokes continued his explosive start breaking the County Championship innings record of 16 sixes held by Andrew Symonds.

Stokes fell only just short of surpassing Durham’s season record of 19 in little more than just one session.