Jadeja vs Stokes: Who rules Test Cricket as an All-Rounder?

When it comes to all-rounders in cricket, the ideal player is someone who excels in all three departments, batting, bowling, and fielding. In this regard, Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes have consistently delivered across formats, making their mark as two of the finest all-rounders of this generation.

Jadeja is known for his left-arm spin and dynamic fielding, and has become a vital part of India's Test setup. With numerous wickets under his belt, he has earned the reputation of being the captain’s go-to bowler, especially in red-ball cricket. His signature swordsman celebration after reaching a half-century or century has become iconic among fans.

On the other hand, Stokes has made a name for himself with his ability to perform under pressure. His unforgettable unbeaten 135 against Australia at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes series and his match-winning 84* in the 2019 ODI World Cup have cemented his status as a modern-day legend.

India and England gear up for the five-match Test series, starting June 20 at Headingley with Stokes leading England and Jadeja likely to be India's frontline spinner. Here, let us take a look at the numbers behind the all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes in Test cricket.

Ravindra Jadeja vs Ben Stokes - Batting in Tests

Stokes has been a more consistent presence in England’s red-ball setup compared to Jadeja for India. Stokes has played 199 Test innings, significantly more than Jadeja’s 118. As a result, Stokes has crossed the 6,000-run mark, while Jadeja has scored just over 3,000 runs in his Test career. Although their batting averages are quite similar, Stokes has proven himself to be the more reliable option under pressure, often stepping up in critical situations. With 13 Test centuries to his name, including a highest score of 258, Stokes clearly has the edge in the batting department when compared to Jadeja.

Ravindra Jadeja vs Ben Stokes - Bowling in Tests

When it comes to bowling, Jadeja holds a clear advantage with his exceptional spin abilities. Jadeja has taken around 323 Test wickets, compared to Stokes’ tally of 213. Jadeja's bowling average is also significantly better at 24.14, while Stokes averages 32.15 per wicket, which is less ideal in the red-ball format. Jadeja’s accuracy and ability to break partnerships make him a dominant force with the ball in Test cricket. His knack for picking up crucial wickets in quick succession makes him superior over Stokes in the bowling department.