Ben Stokes
The ultimate competitor. Ben Stokes is the heartbeat of modern English cricket, a match-winner of rare calibre whose legendary heroics and revolutionary 'Bazball' leadership have transformed the Test game.
The Catalyst's Impact
More than just numbers: the influence of an all-round titan.
A genuine all-rounder whose golden arm has broken countless partnerships.
Owner of some of the most destructive and significant innings in the history of the red-ball game.
The hero of the 2022 T20 World Cup final and a dominant force in franchise leagues.
The Summer of 2019
Ben Stokes achieved sporting immortality during the summer of 2019. First, he was the hero of the **World Cup Final**, scoring an unbeaten 84 to take the game to a Super Over and secure England's first global 50-over title. Weeks later at **Headingley**, he produced arguably the greatest Test innings of all time, an unbeaten 135 to chase down 359 against Australia from a seemingly impossible position.
The 'Bazball' Revolution
In 2022, Ben Stokes was appointed England Test captain, partnering with coach Brendon McCullum. Together, they launched a high-octane, aggressive style of play known as 'Bazball'. This philosophy—prioritising scoring speed and entertaining cricket over traditional caution—reinvigorated the England squad and saved the Test format from a period of stagnation.
Stokes's leadership is defined by his willingness to gamble. Whether it's an early declaration or unconventional field placements, he leads from the front, consistently putting the team's chances of victory above his individual statistics.
Durham Roots
Despite his global fame, Stokes remains a loyal servant of Durham CCC. He emerged from their academy and credits the grit and character of North East cricket for shaping his competitive nature.
Career Stats by Format
| Format | Matches | Runs | Wickets | Avg (Bat/Bowl) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 105 | 6,508 | 203 | 35.36 / 32.08 |
| ODI | 114 | 3,463 | 74 | 40.26 / 42.39 |
| T20I | 43 | 585 | 26 | 21.66 / 32.92 |
Watch Ben Stokes in the UK
As England captain, Stokes is the premier attraction for UK broadcasters:
- England Home Tests: Live on Sky Sports Cricket every summer.
- Away Tours: Broadcast on TNT Sports or Sky Sports.
- The Hundred: Captaining the Northern Superchargers, live on Sky and BBC.
Never miss a moment of the Stokes era with our Live TV Guide.