Ben Stokes

 

Name:

Ben Stokes

Born:

June 04, 1991 Canterbury, New Zealand

Age:

32 years 168 days

Teams:

New Zealand, Durham, England, England

Nickname:

Stokes

Bat Style:

Left Handed Bat

Bowl Style:

Right-arm fast-medium

Profile:

Ben Stokes, a dynamic all-rounder in contemporary cricket, exudes infectious energy on the field. His aggressive demeanor ensures there's never a dull moment around him. Stokes, born on June 4, 1991, in Christchurch, New Zealand, inherited sporting genes as the son of rugby league player Gerald Stokes. Displaying remarkable talent from a young age, he secured a two-year county contract with Durham at 18.

Making his mark with a one-day debut against Surrey in 2009, Stokes showcased his prowess by dismissing Mark Ramprakash with his third delivery in first-class cricket. Notable performances in youth Tests and the 2010 U-19 World Cup, where he scored a century against India, underlined his potential. Stokes debuted in first-class cricket in 2010, impressing with both bat and ball.

Consistent displays earned Stokes a spot in the England ODI squad, though a broken finger limited him to a batting role against India. Following recovery, he showcased resilience, amassing 827 runs and claiming 37 wickets. This stellar all-round performance positioned him as the successor to the vacant all-rounder role left by Freddie Flintoff's retirement.

Stokes faced setbacks, notably being sent home from the England Lions development squad for disciplinary issues. However, he returned stronger, earning a spot in the England squad for the 2013-14 Ashes series. Despite England's whitewash, Stokes stood out, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker and third-highest run-scorer.

His career continued with highs and lows, featuring a maiden Test century against New Zealand, a crucial role in regaining the Ashes against Australia, and a record-breaking double century in South Africa. The T20 World Cup brought disappointment as West Indies clinched the title, and a subsequent knee injury during a Test match against Sri Lanka added to the challenges.

Stokes made a comeback during the subcontinental tour of Bangladesh and India, showcasing versatility with the ball. Despite mixed returns with the bat, he ended 2016 on a high note with a century and a five-wicket haul. However, indiscipline marred his career, leading to suspension by the ECB after an incident in a Bristol nightclub. This setback significantly impacted England's Ashes campaign, culminating in a 0-4 defeat.

On July 14, 2019, Ben Stokes experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in the World Cup final. Facing the last ball with two needed in the Super Over, he played a crucial role, scoring 8 off 3 to help England secure victory with 15 runs. Crowned champions, Stokes received the Man of the Match award for his impactful contributions throughout the tournament, including five fifties.

Stokes continued his heroics during the Ashes, notably with an unbeaten 135 and a pivotal last-wicket partnership with Jack Leach, securing a one-wicket win over Australia at Headingley. His swashbuckling 155 at Lord's showcased his brilliance, although England fell short. Stokes, leaving lasting memories, sparked comparisons to England's cricket legend Sir Ian Botham.

In 2022, following Joe Root's resignation, Stokes became England's Test captain, introducing an attacking strategy dubbed "Bazball" alongside coach Brendon McCullum. Under his leadership, England won 13 out of 18 Tests, earning widespread praise. Stokes retired from ODIs in 2022 but reversed the decision ahead of the 2023 50-over World Cup, delivering a spectacular performance with a blazing 182 against New Zealand.

Stokes, a valuable T20 commodity, made headlines in the IPL. His impactful debut season with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, where he showcased bowling prowess and batting skills, led to a lucrative deal with Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and 2019. In the 2021 season, a finger injury sidelined him for the entire tournament. Ahead of the 2023 season, he joined CSK, facing an injury setback and limited playing time before returning to the UK for Ashes preparation.