I think it's striking how similar those 3 are / were, in a few ways

Style, abilities, physique, and also temperament. All of which came together to mean they could just make things happen, at the most exciting and crucial moments. (Along with some downsides, it has to be said.) Amazing that we've had all three.

On the same theme, I did like this stat (from the Guardian) about Stokes's innings yesterday: By the time he holed out yesterday, Stokes had a strike-rate of 153.19. Only two other England players have higher for a Test innings of 50 or more – Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff.

Posted By: Tricky Hawes, Jan 7, 16:02:32