Ben Stokes

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Benjamin Andrew Stokes, known as ‘Ben Stokes,’ relocated to England as an 18-year-old and embarked on his cricketing journey with Durham. A left-handed batting all-rounder, Stokes made his first-class debut in 2010 and quickly demonstrated his potential on the domestic stage. His talent was evident when he scored a century for England in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, setting the stage for a promising future.

Rise to International Stardom

Stokes’s impressive performances in 2011, highlighted by a century against Hampshire with five sixes in an over, led to his selection for England’s ODI series against Ireland in 2011. He debuted against Ireland in August 2011 and soon after made his T20I debut against the Windies. His journey to England’s Test side began with the Ashes series in 2013, where he made a significant impact with a maiden Test century at the WACA and a six-wicket haul in Sydney amidst a challenging series for England.

A Rollercoaster Career

Stokes endured a challenging period in 2014, struggling with form and missing out on the 2015 World Cup squad. However, with England’s shift towards a more aggressive playing style, Stokes became a central figure. His 2015 century at Lord’s against New Zealand was the fastest recorded at the time, followed by a remarkable double century against South Africa, solidifying his place in the team.

Despite hitting rock bottom during the 2016 T20 World Cup final, where he conceded four consecutive sixes in a heartbreaking loss to West Indies, Stokes demonstrated resilience. Though faced with controversy in 2017, leading to temporary omission from the Ashes squad, he returned stronger.

2019 World Cup Glory and Test Captaincy

Ben Stokes’s defining moment came during the 2019 ICC World Cup. His all-around brilliance, capped by a match-winning unbeaten 84 in the final, earned him the Player of the Final honour and solidified his status as a cricketing hero. Following this, he was appointed vice-captain for the 2019 Ashes, further cementing his leadership role.

Dealing with personal challenges and injuries, Stokes took a brief break from international duty, opting out of the IPL 2022 to focus on county cricket. With Joe Root’s resignation in 2022, Stokes was appointed England’s Test captain, initiating a new era alongside coach Brendon McCullum, and leading England to a series win over New Zealand and a Test victory against India.

Transition and Future

On July 18, 2022, Stokes announced his retirement from ODIs, citing the unsustainability of playing across three formats. His decision marks a new chapter, allowing him to focus on his Test and T20I contributions as a pivotal figure in England’s cricketing landscape.

FAQs about Ben Stokes

What led Ben Stokes to shift from New Zealand to England?

Ben Stokes moved to England as a teenager and began his cricket career there, benefiting from the robust cricketing infrastructure at Durham.

How did Ben Stokes become a key player for England?

Stokes cemented his place in the English team with significant performances, including a century at Lord’s in 2015 and a double century against South Africa, showcasing his all-around capabilities.

What was Ben Stokes’s role in England’s 2019 World Cup victory?

In the 2019 ICC World Cup, Stokes played a crucial role with an unbeaten 84 in the final and was named Player of the Final, contributing to England’s historic win.

Why did Ben Stokes retire from ODI cricket?

Stokes retired from ODIs in 2022, citing the unsustainability of playing all three formats and opting to focus on Test and T20I cricket.

What is ‘Baz Ball’ in relation to Ben Stokes’s captaincy?

‘Baz Ball’ refers to the aggressive and dynamic style of play introduced under Ben Stokes’s Test captaincy and coach Brendon McCullum, aimed at revitalizing English cricket.