Ben
Stokes
United Kingdom
·
Cricket
Date of birth | 1 June 1991 |
|---|---|
Place of birth | Christchurch, New Zealand |
Age | 35 |
Nationality | United Kingdom |
Career start | 2013 |
Disciplines | Cricket |
Ben Stokes is more than just an exceptional all-round cricketer. He is a phenomenon.
At various times in his career – spanning ODI, T20 and Test formats – he has single-handedly saved England with both bat and ball.
However, it's his explosive exploits with the bat that have provided his most memorable – and, let's be hyperbolic for a second here, heroic – moments.
In 2015, playing for England against New Zealand at Lord's, Ben hit a century off 85 balls in the first Test – the fastest Test century by anyone on that famous ground.
Ben then started 2016 with a bang, producing an incredible score of 258 against South Africa – the second-fastest double century and fastest 250 in Test history, taken from 196 balls.
In 2017, Ben became the highest-paid overseas player in the history of the Indian Premier League, playing for Rising Pune Supergiant. The following year he set another record, as he cost IPL rivals Rajasthan Royals an unprecedented £1.4m to sign.
Then came the summer of 2019 – a busy schedule of T20 World Cup and Ashes saw Ben deliver not one, but two of the greatest innings ever seen.
First, he was the driving force in the T20 World Cup final for England against New Zealand, hitting a spectacular 84* to win the trophy.
Then, in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, he steered England from 141-3 to 362-9, despatching Australia's attack to all parts in an unbeaten, match-winning 135*. Both innings were packed with drama. Both innings made Ben a national hero.
Then came the accolades. Firstly he was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 – the first cricketer to win since Andrew Flintoff in 2005 – then Men's Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards, and finally he received an OBE in the New Year's Honours list.
In 2020, Ben became the second player – after the legendary Sir Ian Botham – to have surpassed 4,000 runs and 100 wickets in Tests for England.
Ben Stokes shows off his gaming skills
© Mark Roe/Red Bull Content Pool
Relaxing during a trip to Hangar-7 in Salzburg
© Alexander Papis/Red Bull Content Pool
Visiting the Oracle Red Bull Racing garage during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
Doing what he does best, hitting huge shots
© Ali Bharmal/Red Bull Content Pool