Biography of Ben Stokes

Benjamin Andrew Stokes, famously known as Ben Stokes, was born on June 4, 1991, in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. The son of former Kiwi cricketer Gerard Stokes, Ben was destined to be an athlete. His family moved to England when Stokes was just 12 years old, and he developed his cricket skills within the English cricket system.

Early Life and Cricketing Beginnings

Stokes attended the prestigious Sedbergh School in Cumbria, England, where his cricket talents flourished. He made a significant impact in the junior cricket circles, and his performances in school cricket caught the attention of the professional circuit. He started playing with the country side Durham and soon made his way into the England under-19 setup, where he showcased his all-round abilities as a rising star.

Professional Debut

Stokes's first-class debut came in 2009 at the tender age of 18, representing Durham against Lancashire. His strong performances in domestic cricket quickly led to his selection in the England national team. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut on August 25, 2013, against Scotland and his Test debut soon after on July 21, 2013, against Australia during The Ashes series at Lord’s.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Ben Stokes has been a vital cog in the England team since his debut. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has often turned the tide of matches in favor of his side. Stokes emerged as a frontline all-rounder, possessing the ability to score runs and take crucial wickets, making him one of the most valuable players in modern cricket.

In 2016, Stokes was awarded the ICC Test Player of the Year, a testament to his remarkable performances that year. However, it was the 2019 Cricket World Cup where Stokes etched his name in history, playing a pivotal role in England's victory. His magnificent innings of 84 runs in the final against New Zealand helped steer England to a tie, which led to a Super Over, after which England claimed the title based on the boundary count rule.

Stokes' performance in the Test arena has also been noteworthy. He is renowned for his match-winning capability and has often saved England from dire situations. His remarkable innings of 135 not out against Australia in the 2019 Ashes at Headingley is heralded as one of the greatest Test innings of all time, showcasing his grit and determination.

Records and Statistics

Stokes is known for his explosive batting and handy bowling. His records have always reflected his versatility. As of October 2023, here are his career statistics across the three formats:

Test Match Statistics

• Matches: 84
• Innings: 157
• Runs: 5,188
• Batting Average: 36.46
• Centuries (100s): 12
• Half-Centuries (50s): 29
• Wickets: 180
• Bowling Average: 32.21
• Best Bowling Figures: 6/22

One Day Internationals (ODI) Statistics

• Matches: 104
• Innings: 87
• Runs: 3,226
• Batting Average: 42.39
• Centuries (100s): 11
• Half-Centuries (50s): 30
• Wickets: 75
• Bowling Average: 36.58
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/61

T20 International Statistics

• Matches: 47
• Innings: 33
• Runs: 1,259
• Batting Average: 28.68
• Centuries (100s): 2
• Half-Centuries (50s): 8
• Wickets: 37
• Bowling Average: 24.48
• Best Bowling Figures: 3/15

Impact on the Game

Ben Stokes is considered one of the finest all-rounders in the history of cricket. His aggressive playing style, fearless attitude, and match-winning capabilities have not only made him a fan favorite but have also inspired a new generation of cricketers. He has successfully redefined the all-rounder's role in cricket—bringing a blend of power-hitting, strategic bowling, and resilience under pressure.

Stokes's contributions to cricket extend beyond statistics; his sheer willpower and determination reflect the spirit of the game. With numerous accolades to his name and as an influential figure for England, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport.