Who’s the better Test all-rounder — Ravindra Jadeja or Ben Stokes? Breaking down the numbers and big-match performances.
The England vs India Test series saw some engrossing battles between bat and ball. England captain-cum-all-rounder Ben Stokes had led from the front with bat and ball. In the India’s camp, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also produced his finest all-round performances in the series. The two are fierce competitors and make for a great spectacle whenever they bat, bowl or field in the match.
So, who is the better Test all-rounder of the two: A statistical comparison
Batting performances home and away
There isn’t much to separate the two in terms of batting performances both home and away plus neutral venues. Both these all-rounders enjoy close to an average of 40 at both home and away plus neutral grounds. However, Stokes’ away and neutral batting records drop to 32 compared to his 40-plus home average. Jadeja has a similar batting average in both, home and neutral venues, although having played 30 Tests less than Stokes.
However, Stokes has more hundreds to his name. He has 14 Test tons compared to just 5 by Jadeja. Besides, a look at the batting position of each player shows Stokes has played at almost all positions, and hence, he has got more opportunity to score runs.
Here’s how the two fare in all positions:
Jadeja has been more successful at No 6, averaging 51.05, aggregating 919 runs. In comparison, Stokes has maintained a healthy average of mid-30s across positions third to seventh. He averages the best at No. 5 – 39.55, but his best in terms of runs has been at No 6 (4225 runs).
Read More: Why India should be thankful for having Ravindra Jadeja in their ranks
Bowling performances home and away
Jadeja has a better record to show in the wickets column despite having played 30 Tests less than Stokes. Being a spinner has helped Jadeja to bowl long spells and run away with a match. Jadeja enjoys a better wickets tally (238) and bowling average (20.71) at home compared to Stokes (123 wickets at 33.77). But in away conditions, Stokes does slightly better, taking 107 wickets at 33.77 compared to 92 wickets at 36.69. Jadeja too has a better 5-or-10 wicket haul. Jadeja has 15 fifers, and three 10-wicket hauls compared to Stokes’ 5 fivers and 0 ten wicket hauls in Tests.
Batting performance in Win/Loss/Draw
There is nothing much to separate in terms of batting performances in won, lost or draw causes between these two players. Their contribution is vital towards the team’s winning or drawing Tests, while their team loses if their batting does not do the talking.
Bowling performance in Win/Loss/Draw
Top batting & bowling performances by Ben Stokes
Stokes’ 135 not out against Australia at Leeds in 2019
Ben Stokes played one of the finest Test innings when he cracked 135 not out against Australia at Leeds in 2019 to steer England to a one-wicket win. England were down and out at 286/9 chasing 359 for a win. Stokes then farmed the strike and posted a match-winning unbeaten stand of 76 runs for the last wicket with Jack Leach, who contributed just a run in the partnership. Stokes cracked 11 fours and 8 sixes during his knock, which helped England win the match.
Another knock worth mentioning of Stokes is the 258 he made against South Africa at Cape Town in 2016. This is the fastest 250 ever made in Test cricket. It came off 198 balls with 30 fours and 11 sixes. Out of 258 runs, 188 runs came in just fours and sixes, which explains the brutality of the knock.
Read More: Ben Stokes: Not just a leader but clutch player made of a different mettle
5/72 against India at Manchester 2025
In the recently concluded Test series against India, Stokes produced his best batting and bowling display in the Manchester Test. He bowled his heart out to dismiss five India batters to bowl the opposition out for 358. He then scored 141 in England’s first innings to set up England for a big total of 669. However, by then, Stokes was unable to take more load, but still came back to bowl 11 overs on the fifth day to dismiss KL Rahul. However, the match ended in a draw, but Stokes was awarded the man of the match honours for his all-round efforts.
Some players lift themselves at key moments, they wade into situations and want to be in the thick of it all. Nobody symbolises that more than @benstokes38.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 14, 2025
Top batting and bowling performances by Ravindra Jadeja
107 not out against England in Manchester in 2025
Ravindra Jadeja came out to bat on the fifth day in India’s second innings, with the team still trailing by 89 runs. Jadeja combined with Washington Sundar for an unbroken stand of 203 runs for the fifth wicket to take India to a draw. Jadeja batted with composure, playing each ball on merit, to defy the England bowling attack. Jadeja also turned down a handshake from England captain Stokes for a draw, and stayed put to not only secure his ton, but Sundar’s century as well. Jadeja’s ton in Manchester was easily the best knock of his Test career as it came when the team was under pressure to save the Test.
Jadeja’s 6 for 138 against South Africa at Durban in 2013
Jadeja bowled close to 60 overs in South Africa’s first innings to take 6 for 138 to help India bowl out the opponents for 500. He dismissed South Africa’s top-order batters in Graeme Smith, Alviro Petersen, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers, but could not help India from losing the match. However, Jadeja’s 6-for 138 is one of the best performances by an India spinner in South Africa.
Jadeja’s 7/48 against England at Chennai in 2016
This Test is more famous for Karun Nair’s 303 not out. However, it was Jadeja’s 7-wicket haul that helped India win the Test on the fifth day, and the series 4-0. England were 103/0 in 40 overs and looked good to bat out the last day and draw the Test. But Jadeja unleashed his magic to first break the opening stand and run through the opposition line-up to take 7/48 and win the match for India.
Final Verdict
There’s little to separate the two all-rounders. Both are tigers at home, and also enjoy a good record in away conditions. Both are invincible to the team’s cause as they bring their all-round utility to the fore. However, Stokes also captains the Test team, and habitually, leads the side from the front. Nevertheless, the two all-rounders are pivotal to their team’s success in both batting and bowling department.
Read More: How India salvaged a draw at Old Trafford
