Ben Stokes has written a new chapter in Ashes history. In his first Ashes Test as captain in Australia, Stokes produced a sensational spell at the Optus Stadium in Perth, finishing with 5 wickets for just 23 runs in six overs. His fiery burst not only dismantled Australia for 132 but also handed England a crucial 30-run first-innings lead on Saturday morning.
More importantly, Stokes shattered an 89-year-old record, becoming the England captain with the best bowling figures in Ashes history. The previous milestone belonged to Gubby Allen, who took 5 for 36 way back in 1936.
How Stokes Created History
Stokes was introduced into the attack with Australia looking to rebuild, but the England skipper delivered a devastating six-over spell full of pace, movement, and accuracy. His figures of 5/23 are now the best by any England captain in an Ashes Test, surpassing decades of storied rivalry.
Best Bowling Figures in the Ashes by an England Captain
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Venue | Year |
| Ben Stokes | 6 | 23 | 5 | Perth | 2025 |
| Gubby Allen | 6 | 36 | 5 | Brisbane | 1936 |
| Johnny Douglas | 17.5 | 46 | 5 | Melbourne | 1912 |
| Freddie Brown | 18 | 49 | 5 | Melbourne | 1951 |
| Stanley Jackson | 14.5 | 52 | 5 | Nottingham | 1905 |
Where Stokes Ranks Among All Captains in Ashes History
While Stokes now leads England’s list, the overall Ashes record is still held by Australian great Monty Noble, who claimed 7 for 100 in Sydney in 1904. Stokes’ 5-wicket haul sits comfortably within the top-ten bowling performances by captains from either side.
Best Bowling Figures by Any Captain in an Ashes Test
| Player | Team | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Venue | Year |
| Monty Noble | Australia | 41.4 | 100 | 7 | Sydney | 1904 |
| Richie Benaud | Australia | 32 | 70 | 6 | Manchester | 1961 |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | 18 | 91 | 6 | Leeds | 2023 |
| Richie Benaud | Australia | 42 | 115 | 6 | Brisbane | 1962 |
| George Giffen | Australia | 78.2 | 155 | 6 | Melbourne | 1894 |
| Ben Stokes | England | 6 | 23 | 5 | Perth | 2025 |
| George Giffen | Australia | 15 | 26 | 5 | Sydney | 1895 |
| Gubby Allen | England | 6 | 36 | 5 | Brisbane | 1936 |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | 13.1 | 38 | 5 | Brisbane | 2021 |
| Johnny Douglas | England | 17.5 | 46 | 5 | Melbourne | 1912 |
The All-Time Best: Jim Laker’s Unmatched 19 Wickets
Despite numerous legendary spells across Ashes history, one record remains untouched. England’s Jim Laker still holds the all-time best bowling figures in an Ashes Test:
- 10/53 in the second innings
- 9/37 in the first innings
His astonishing match haul of 19 wickets for 90 runs in the 1956 Old Trafford Test remains one of cricket’s greatest feats.
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