Ben Stokes

Benjamin Andrew Stokes was born on 4 June 1991 in Christchurch, New Zealand, the son of rugby league footballer and coach Gerard Stokes (known as 'Ged'), and has some Māori ancestry.{{Cite web |last=Dobell|first=George|date=16 July 2019 |title=Legacy-maker Ben Stokes shows what he deserves to be remembered for |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27192472/legacy-maker-ben-stokes-shows-deserves-remembered-for |access-date=16 July 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}} In 2003, at the age of 12, Stokes relocated to England when his father, Gerard 'Ged' Stokes, accepted the position of head coach for the Workington Town rugby league club. The family settled in the West Cumbrian town of Cockermouth, where Ben attended Cockermouth School. During this period, he developed his cricketing skills with the local Cockermouth Cricket Club, contributing to their North Lancashire & Cumbria Cricket League Premier Division Title win in 2006 at just 15 years old. He dropped out of the state school aged 16 with just one GCSE, in physical education.{{Cite web |last=Garside |first=Kevin |date=2023-06-27 |title=Ben Stokes is the anti-establishment beacon English cricket desperately needs |url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/cricket/ben-stokes-anti-establishment-english-cricket-desperately-needs-2438548 |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=inews.co.uk |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ben Stokes calls on cricket to learn from mistakes and become a sport for everyone. The Cricketer |url=https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/ecb/ben_stokes_calls_on_cricket_learn_from_mistakes_become_sport_for_everyone.html |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=www.thecricketer.com |language=en}} He won the North Lancashire & Cumbria Cricket League Premier Division Title with the club as a 15 year old in 2006. His parents subsequently moved back to New Zealand to reside again in Christchurch.

Stokes made his List A debut for Durham in 2009 at The Oval and managed to take the wicket of the highly experienced batsman Mark Ramprakash with only his third delivery in professional cricket. He played in two youth Tests against Bangladesh U19 during 2009, in which he made a half-century and took a few wickets. He then went on to play in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, during which he scored a century against the India Under-19 team.

Stokes made his first-class debut for Durham against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) during the traditional season opener, which for 2010 was taking place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. During that match, he bagged a half-century and took one wicket. At the start of the 2010 County Cricket Season, he also made his Championship debut for Durham when he played in a fixture against Essex. He made his maiden first-class century against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on 13 May 2010. He has also featured for Durham in the Clydesdale Bank 40-over competition. Durham's continuing problems with many players becoming injured at the start of the 2010 season meant that Stokes continued playing in all forms of the game for Durham.{{Cite web |last=Culley |first=Jon |date=30 April 2010 |title=Injury worries for Durham despite draw |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/countycricket2010/content/story/457967.html |access-date=1 May 2015 |work=ESPNcricinfo |publisher=ESPN Sports Media}} Having had a very successful debut season in first-class cricket, he was given a place in the England Performance Programme and travelled to Australia during the 2010–11 Ashes.{{Cite news |date=22 April 2014 |title=Plunkett and Stokes in England Performance Programme Squad |work=durhamccc.co.uk |url=http://www.durhamccc.co.uk/news/plunkett-and-stokes-in-england-performace-programme-squad/ |access-date=1 May 2015}}

Stokes was a key member of the Durham side that won the 2013 County Championship, and was also named Man of the Match in the final of the 2014 Royal London One-Day Cup Final at Lord's, having scored 38* and taken 2 wickets in a low-scoring game against Warwickshire.{{Cite web |date=20 September 2014 |title=One-Day Cup final: Durham beat Warwickshire at Lord's |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/29251618 |access-date=17 January 2020 |website=bbc.co.uk}}

On 2 January 2015, Stokes joined the Melbourne Renegades of Australia's Big Bash League for the remainder of the season as a replacement for Jesse Ryder, who was ruled out due to an injury.{{Cite web |date=6 June 2012 |title=Renegades sign Ben Stokes |url=http://www.melbournerenegades.com.au/news/2015/01/02/renegades-sign-ben-stokes |access-date=1 May 2015 |website=Melbournerenegades.com.au}}

On 13 February 2017, Stokes was appointed vice-captain of England's test team, deputising under Joe Root, who was made captain the same day.{{Cite news |date=13 February 2017 |title=Joe Root named England Test captain |language=en |publisher=England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) |url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/332540 |access-date=16 July 2019}}

On 6 May 2022, Stokes marked his return to Durham with a record-breaking 161 from 88 balls on day two of the County Championship game against Worcestershire that included him scoring 34 runs in a single over. In said over, Stokes hit five consecutive sixes but failed to make clean contact with the final delivery of the over, getting only a one-bounce four causing him to miss out on becoming only the third cricketer in history to score six sixes in an over of first-class cricket. However, the innings still surpassed Paul Collingwood's record for the fastest first-class century by a Durham player and the record for the most sixes hit in a County Championship innings.{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Ali |date=2022-05-06 |title=Ben Stokes breaks sixes record with devastating innings for Durham |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/06/ben-stokes-breaks-sixes-record-with-devastating-innings-for-durham |access-date=2023-02-17 |issn=0261-3077}}

Stokes has been part of the Northern Superchargers squad since the inaugural season of The Hundred in 2021 but has only made two appearances for them so far. Despite missing the entire 2022 season of the competition, he was retained by the Superchargers on 15 February 2023 ahead of the coming season.{{Cite news |title=The Hundred 2021 – full squad lists |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/54646061 |access-date=2023-02-17}}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-16 |title=Hundred franchises confirm retained lists ahead of 2023 campaign |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/jofra-archer-ben-stokes-england-test-cricket-jonny-bairstow-b2283484.html |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=The Independent |language=en}}

In February 2017, Stokes was bought by Rising Pune Supergiant to play in the Indian Premier League during the 2017 season.{{Cite web |title=IPL Auction Live: Jason Roy, Darren Sammy, Guptill Find Takers |url=https://www.thequint.com/sports/2017/02/20/ipl-2017-auction-live-morgan-johnson-mathews-up-for-grabs-stokes-england-india-cricket-dhoni-ishant-sharma-boult |access-date=26 February 2017 |website=The Quint|date=20 February 2017 }}{{Cite web |date=20 February 2017 |title=Ben Stokes: IPL record as Rising Pune Supergiants buy England all-rounder |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/39025307 |access-date=26 February 2017 |website=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation}} He made his maiden Twenty20 century against Gujarat Lions, hitting 103 not out from 63 balls, including hitting seven fours and six sixes. He was named as Most Valuable Player for the 2017 season.{{Cite news |last=Chakraborty |first=Amlan |date=2018-05-12 |title=Stokes goes from MVP to Royal disappointment in IPL |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-cricket-t20-ipl-stokes-idUKKBN1ID062 |access-date=2022-05-15}} For the 2018 season he moved to Rajasthan Royals having been bought for £1.7million, the most expensive player in the 2018 IPL auction.{{Cite news |last=Wilde |first=Simon |date=2018 |title=Stokes goes for £1.37m... Root snubbed |language=en |work=The Sunday Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/cricket/article/stokes-goes-for-1-37m-root-snubbed-9z5vvjx3h |access-date=28 January 2018 |issn=0956-1382}} In October 2020, he scored 107 not out for Rajasthan Royals as part of an unbeaten partnership of 152 with Sanju Samson. During the 2021 IPL, Stokes suffered a finger injury which ruled him out from the entire season after playing in only one match.{{Cite web|date=13 April 2021|title=England's Ben Stokes faces spell on sidelines after breaking finger in IPL|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/apr/13/england-cricket-bowler-jofra-archer-clear-to-resume-training-after-hand-operation|access-date=14 April 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}{{Cite news|date=13 April 2021|title=Ben Stokes to miss rest of Indian Premier League with broken finger|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2021/04/13/ben-stokes-miss-rest-indian-premier-league-broken-finger/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2021/04/13/ben-stokes-miss-rest-indian-premier-league-broken-finger/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=14 April 2021|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} He pulled out of the 2022 edition as he wanted to focus on his country's Test team.{{Cite web |title=IPL 2022: 5 Big Players Missing From Indian Premier League This Year. Cricket News |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2022/ipl-2022-5-big-players-missing-from-indian-premier-league-this-year-2840817 |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=NDTVSports.com |language=en}} He was bought by Chennai Super Kings to play in the IPL 2023 season for INR. 16.25 Crore (£1.6 million) in the IPL auction held on 23 December 2022.

Stokes made his senior England debut in a One Day International (ODI) against Ireland in August 2011. Stokes was caught and bowled by Paul Stirling for just three runs and did not bowl; however, he did take a catch.{{Cite news |date=20 August 2011 |title=Eoin Morgan named as England captain for Ireland ODI |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/14600842.stm |access-date=20 August 2011}}

File:Ben Stokes bowling , 2013.jpg

Stokes was selected for the England squad for the 2013–14 Ashes series against Australia. He became the 658th player to represent England at Test level. He made his debut in the 2nd Test and took the wickets of Michael Clarke and Peter Siddle before contributing 1 run in England's first innings. In the second innings, he made 28 runs off 90 balls in England's loss.{{Cite web |date=9 December 2013 |title=Australia vs England 2nd Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/592398.html |access-date=17 December 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} He was selected in the 3rd Test and took the wicket of Brad Haddin, he then made 18 off 57 deliveries. In Australia's second innings he bowled Michael Clarke and took Steve Smith's wicket. In England's second innings he made his maiden Test century scoring 120 off 195 balls before being caught.{{Cite web |date=17 December 2013 |title=Australia vs England 3rd Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/592399.html |access-date=17 December 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} In the first innings of the 4th Test he made 14 runs, then managed to get Shane Watson out. In the second innings he hit 19 runs and took the wicket of David Warner in England's loss.{{Cite web |date=29 December 2013 |title=Australia vs England 4th Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/592400.html |access-date=1 January 2014 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} Stokes took a career-best 6 wickets for 99 runs in the first innings of the 5th Test, including the major wickets of captain Clarke for 10 and top-scorer for the innings Steve Smith for 115. Stokes top scored for England with 47 runs in the first innings to help England limp to 155 all out. In the second innings he made 32 and finished the series on the losing end of a 5–0 whitewash. Stokes enjoyed a solid series, however, finishing as England's third-highest run scorer with 279 runs and also second-highest wicket taker with 15 wickets. Stokes was the only English batsman to score a hundred in the series. Stokes was praised for his batting efforts on a typical fast and bouncy WACA surface against the hostile fast bowling of Mitchell Johnson at the height of his bowling powers.{{Cite web |date=11 October 2020 |title=The Story Of Ben Stokes' First Great Test Match |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-features/the-story-of-ben-stokes-first-great-test-match |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Wisden}} The Guardian described Stokes's WACA century as "the only welcome positive for the future."{{Cite web|title=Ashes 2013–14: Ben Stokes a welcome positive as England build for future. Ashes 2013–14 |url=https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.amproject.org/v/s/amp.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/17/ashes-2013-14-ben-stokes-england?amp_js_v=a6&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQArABIA==#aoh=16165139375195&referrer=https://www.google.com&_tf=From%20%251$s&share=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/17/ashes-2013-14-ben-stokes-england|access-date=23 March 2021|website=The Guardian}}{{cite web|title=Ashes 2013–14: Australia humiliate England again to complete whitewash. Ashes 2013–14 |url=https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.amproject.org/v/s/amp.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/05/ashes-2013-14-australia-england--whitewash?amp_js_v=a6&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQArABIA==#aoh=16165139375195&referrer=https://www.google.com&_tf=From%20%251$s&share=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/05/ashes-2013-14-australia-england--whitewash |access-date=23 March 2021|website=The Guardian}}

{{main|Australian cricket team in England and Ireland in 2015}}

In the one off T20I against Australia, Stokes took figures of 1–29 as England won by five runs. Stokes played in all five ODIs against Australia, his best performance with the ball coming in the second game of the series where he took figures of 3–60, although England lost the match by 59 runs. During the second ODI match of the series against Australia, Stokes was given out obstructing the field. He became only the sixth batsman to be given out in this manner in an ODI game.{{Cite web |date=5 September 2015 |title=Stokes given out obstructing the field |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2015/content/story/918081.html |access-date=5 September 2015 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} While Stokes never took another wicket in the series, his batting did improve. He scored 41 in the fourth ODI which England won by 3 wickets. Although England lost the final ODI to lose the series 3–2, Stokes was one of England's better performers, scoring 42 of their 138 runs.

Stokes was named in the England test squad for the tour against Pakistan hosted in the UAE. In the first test in Abu Dhabi, he took 4–57 with the ball in Pakistan's first innings before himself scoring 57 with the bat in England's first innings; the match ultimately ended in a draw when bad light stopped play on the final day.{{Cite web |title=1st Test: England v Pakistan at Abu Dhabi, Oct 13–17, 2015 – Cricket Scorecard |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/902635.html |work=ESPNcricinfo}} In the second match of the series Stokes was ineffective, taking just one wicket in the match and making scores of 4 and 13 with the bat as England suffered a 127-run defeat. He suffered a shoulder injury in the third and final test in Sharjah,{{Cite web |last=Holden |first=Jim |date=2 November 2015 |title=Ben Stokes faces scan on shoulder injury and could miss England's tour to South Africa |url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/cricket/616197/Ben-Stokes-scan-shoulder-injury-could-miss-England-tour-South-Africa |website=Express.co.uk |publisher=Express Newspapers |location=Sharjah}} but still batted at number 11 as England ultimately lost the match and with it the series.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan spinners wrap up 2–0 series win |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-england-2015-16/content/story/937065.html |work=ESPNcricinfo}}

Stokes returned to full fitness to take his place in England's winter tour of South Africa. While Stokes did not make a stand out contribution in the first test, England won by 241 runs. In England's first innings of the second test in Cape Town, Stokes arrived at the crease with England 167–4, facing a hat-trick ball from Kagiso Rabada. Stokes then hit a career-best score of 258, which included 30 fours and 11 sixes.{{Cite web |last=Selvey |first=Mike |date=3 January 2016 |title=Ben Stokes blasts brilliant 258 as England make South Africa suffer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/03/ben-stokes-south-africa-england-jonny-bairstow |website=The Guardian |location=Newlands}} It was the second fastest double century in the history of test cricket (from 167 balls). His sixth wicket stand with Jonny Bairstow (who himself scored 150 not out) of 399 was a new world record, of which 196 were scored in 25 overs in the morning session on Day 2 alone.{{Cite web |date=3 January 2016 |title=Ben Stokes hits fastest England double century in Tests |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/35216886 |website=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation}} Stokes' innings was ended in bizarre fashion, when after hitting two successive sixes, he was dropped by AB de Villiers only to be run out having paused between the wickets. The match finished in a draw with the batsmen dominating the game. In the third Test Stokes took five wickets as England won, securing a series victory for England. The fourth and final match of the series was won by South Africa, although Stokes did take another five wickets, including 4–86 in South Africa's first innings.

In the first Test against India, Stokes made 128 in England's first innings to help them reach 537. He took one wicket in India's first innings, before making an unbeaten 29. The match ended in a draw. In the second Test he finished with figures of 1–73 in India's first innings, before making 70 with the bat. He was out for six in England's second innings as they lost by 246 runs. In the third Test he made 29 in England's first innings, and then took 5–73 in India's first innings. After making five in the second innings, Stokes failed to pick up another wicket as England suffered another defeat. In the fourth Test he made 31 in England's first innings score of 400, but failed to pick up a wicket or make an impression in England's second innings as they lost by an innings and 36 runs. In the final match of the series, Stokes picked up just one wicket and scored 29 runs in the match as England lost by an innings and 75 runs. For his performances in 2016, he was named in the World Test XI by the ICC and ESPNcricinfo.{{Cite news |date=22 December 2016 |title=The Full List of ICC Awards 2016 Winners |work=The Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/the-full-list-of-icc-awards-2016-winners/story-HwiwPQa1CPLmYV6y7hx6vM.html}}{{Cite web |date=30 December 2016 |title=The Test, ODI, T20, and Women's teams of 2016 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/review2016/content/story/1073990.html |access-date=26 August 2019 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} He was also named in the ODI XI of the year 2016 by ESPNcricinfo.

Stokes scored his second ODI century against South Africa in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, and in the tournament itself his third, against Australia. He was also named as part of the 'Team of the Tournament' at the 2017 Champions Trophy by the ICC.{{Cite web |date=19 June 2017 |title=Team of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 announced |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/media-releases/421165 |website=icc-cricket.com |access-date=16 July 2019 |archive-date=22 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622154932/https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/media-releases/421165 |url-status=dead }}

Stokes scored 299 runs, including a century at The Oval, and took 7 wickets in a four Test series against South Africa. In a three Test series against West Indies, he scored 228 runs and took 9 wickets. At Headingley, in the second Test, he scored his fourth Test century, and at Lord's in the third, he took a career best 6–22 with the ball.

File:Ben Stokes.jpg

In April 2019, Stokes was named in England's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.{{Cite web |title=Jofra Archer misses World Cup cut but included to play Ireland, Pakistan |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1181187.html |access-date=17 April 2019 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}{{Cite web |title=England leave out Jofra Archer from World Cup squad |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1183273 |access-date=17 April 2019 |website=International Cricket Council}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/17769926.stokes-stars-england-win-world-cup/|title=Stokes stars as England win World Cup|website=Timesandstar.co.uk|date=14 July 2019 |access-date=26 January 2022}}

In the opening match of the tournament against South Africa, he made a score of 89 runs from 79 balls, claimed two wickets, ran out Dwaine Pretorius and took two catches to be declared "Man of the Match" in a comprehensive 104-run win for England. His catch to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo has been described as "one of the greatest catches of all time".{{Cite news |date=30 May 2019 |title=Cricket World Cup: Ben Stokes' 'full day out' lights up England victory over South Africa|website=Bbc.co.uk |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/48466796 |access-date=1 June 2019}}

Stokes produced multiple standout performances with the bat later in the group stage. Stokes was left stranded on 82*, as England were bowled out for 212 in a surprise 20-run defeat to Sri Lanka.{{Cite web |date=25 June 2019 |title=Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews star as Sri Lanka stun England |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8039/game/1144509/england-vs-sri-lanka-27th-match-icc-cricket-world-cup-2019 |website=ESPN}} He again proved to be the only resistance to Australia's bowling attack in their following match, by scoring 89 runs in a chase of 286.{{Cite web |last=Brettig |first=Daniel |date=26 June 2019 |title=Finch combines forces with Behrendorff and Starc to put Australia in semi-finals |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8039/game/1144514/england-vs-australia-32nd-match-icc-cricket-world-cup-2019 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} England ultimately fell short by 64 runs as they were bowled out for 221. In a must-win match against India in the following group match, Stokes played a very important innings, scoring a quick-fire 79 runs in 54 balls, as England won by 31 runs.{{Cite web |last=Muthu |first=Deivarayan |date=2 July 2019 |title=Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes help end India's unbeaten run |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8039/game/1144520/england-vs-india-38th-match-icc-cricket-world-cup-2019 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}

In the final against New Zealand, he scored 84*, including 2 sixes in the final over (one traditional and one due to overthrows after a ball bounced off Stokes' bat to the boundary), to tie the game.{{Cite web |date=15 July 2019 |title=World Cup 2019 final, New Zealand vs England: England's World Cup 2019 win despite epic super over tie – Explained |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/world-cup-2019-final-new-zealand-vs-england-england-s-world-cup-2019-win-despite-epic-super-over-tie-explained/story-yW6Ohku3nFj84iJsTogjqJ.html |access-date=30 July 2019 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} He then batted in the super over with Jos Buttler, which again was a tie, but England won the match on the boundary countback rule then in place. For this performance, he was named man of the match for the second time in the tournament.{{Cite news |last1=Mole |first1=Giles |last2=Tyers |first2=Alan |date=15 July 2019 |title=England win Cricket World Cup Final after dramatic super over and Ben Stokes heroics sink New Zealand |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2019/07/14/england-vs-new-zealand-cricket-world-cup-2019-final-live-score/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2019/07/14/england-vs-new-zealand-cricket-world-cup-2019-final-live-score/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}

He was named in the "Team of the Tournament" for the 2019 World Cup by the ICC.{{Cite web |date=15 July 2019 |title=CWC19: Team of the Tournament |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1278701/featured |website=icc-cricket.com}}

File:Ben Stokes raising his bat, Ashes 2019.jpg

Faced with an incisive Australian bowling attack and Bradmanesque batting contribution from Steve Smith,{{Cite news |last=Will |first=MacPherson |date=12 September 2019 |title=Steve Smith 'could force experts to rip up batting manuals' after Ashes masterclass |work=Evening Standard |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cricket/steve-smith-could-force-experts-to-rip-up-batting-manuals-after-ashes-masterclass-a4235206.html |access-date=26 September 2019}} Stokes played a pivotal role in enabling England ultimately to draw the 2019 Ashes series 2–2 (although Australia thereby retained the urn). In the third test at Headingley, England appeared to be heading for certain defeat after they were bowled out for 67 in their first innings.{{Cite news |last=Shemilt |first=Stephan |date=23 August 2019 |title=Ashes 2019: England 67 all out as Australia close in on Ashes |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/49451295}} Stokes managed to overturn an overnight Australian lead, hitting 11 fours and 8 sixes to win with an unbeaten 135* in a record pursuit of 359.{{Cite news |last=Latham-Coyle |first=Harry |date=25 August 2019 |title=Ashes 2019: The stunning Ben Stokes innings that kept England's series hopes against Australia alive – timeline |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ashes/ben-stokes-england-australia-ashes-2019-third-test-headingley-result-timeline-highlights-a9078521.html}} His innings has been described as "one of the greatest innings of all time" and the "greatest ever played by an Englishman".{{Cite news |last1=Tweedale |first1=Alistair |last2=Slater |first2=Luke |date=25 August 2019 |title=Ben Stokes produces Headingley miracle to haul England back from the brink and keep Ashes alive |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2019/08/25/england-vs-australia-ashes-2019-live-score-latest-updates-fourth/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2019/08/25/england-vs-australia-ashes-2019-live-score-latest-updates-fourth/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite news |last=Farrer |first=Martin |date=26 August 2019 |title='Go urn, my son': what the papers say about England's Ashes comeback |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/aug/26/what-the-papers-say-about-englands-ashes-comeback-australia}} Stokes's innings was rated by Wisden as the Greatest hundred of the decade (2010's).{{Cite web|title=Greatest Innings 2010s. Decade In Review 2010–2019. Wisden Cricket|url=https://wisden.com/category/stories/decade-in-review/greatest-innings-2010-19|access-date=23 March 2021|website=Wisden|language=en-GB}}

He was named as England's player of the series as he ended the series as England's top run-scorer with 441 runs with 2 hundreds and 2 fifties, while also taking 8 wickets.{{Cite web |title=Records / The Ashes, 2019 / Series Statistics |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/index.html?id=12492;type=series |work=ESPNcricinfo}}

"It's the same with success and failure. There's always the momentum thing, but you just have to put whatever happened in the past behind you."

Stokes continued on his good form into the tour of New Zealand. He made scores of 91 and 28 as England slumped to an innings defeat in the first test match of the series.{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Alan |date=25 November 2019 |title=Neil Wagner five-for leads New Zealand to crushing win |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19297/game/1187671/new-zealand-vs-england-1st-test-england-in-new-zealand-2019-20 |website=ESPN CIRCINFO}} He then made 26 runs in his only innings in the next test, as England drew the match to lose the series.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Andrew |date=3 December 2019 |title=Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor carry New Zealand to series win |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19297/game/1187672/new-zealand-vs-england-2nd-test-england-in-new-zealand-2019-20 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}

He was named as the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year,{{Cite news |date=15 December 2019 |title=Sports Personality of the Year 2019: Ben Stokes crowned winner |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality/50757574}} ICC Player of the Year at the 2019 ICC Awards.{{Cite news |date=15 January 2020 |title=Ben Stokes: England all-rounder named ICC player of the year |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/51117379}}

Stokes' form continued into 4-test match tour of South Africa, as he was named player of the series after scoring 318 runs and taking 10 wickets.{{Cite news |last=Sealey |first=Louis |date=27 January 2020 |title=England all-rounder Ben Stokes hopes South Africa series win brings 'big smile' to ill father |work=Metro |url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/27/england-cricket-ben-stokes-sends-message-father-south-africa-series-win-12132986/}} Following defeat in the first test, Stokes put in a "man of the match" performance in the 2nd test. He made scores of 47 and 72, with the latter from only 47 balls, to set South Africa a target of 437. Stokes then managed to break the host's resistance, as they fought to draw the game, by taking the final 3 wickets to bowl them out for 248 runs to level the series.{{Cite web |last=Roller |first=Matt |date=7 January 2020 |title=Ben Stokes seals dramatic victory as South Africa falter in brave rearguard |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19430/game/1185305/south-africa-vs-england-2nd-test-icc-world-test-championship-2019-2021 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} In the following match, his first innings score of 120 was crucial in setting up an innings win for England, which meant they took a 2–1 lead in the series going into the final test match.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Andrew |date=20 January 2020 |title=England complete innings win despite 99-run last-wicket stand |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19430/game/1185306/south-africa-vs-england-3rd-test-icc-world-test-championship-2019-2021}} Stokes only made 2 and 28 runs in the final test, but he did take 4 wickets in the match, as England won by 191 runs to secure a second consecutive away series win against South Africa.{{Cite web |last=Baynes |first=Valkerie |date=27 January 2020 |title=Mark Wood's nine-wicket haul wraps up 3–1 England win |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19430/game/1185307/south-africa-vs-england-4th-test-icc-world-test-championship-2019-2021 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}

On 17 June 2020, Stokes was included in England's 30-man squad to start training behind closed doors for the Test series against the West Indies.{{Cite web |title=England announce 30-man training squad ahead of first West Indies Test |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1683417 |access-date=17 June 2020 |website=International Cricket Council}}{{Cite web |title=Moeen Ali back in Test frame as England name 30-man training squad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1225177.html |access-date=17 June 2020 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} Stokes was named as captain for one of the teams in the official inter-squad warm-up match. In the absence of regular captain Joe Root (due to the birth of his child), it was announced that as vice-captain, Stokes would therefore captain England for the first time.{{Cite web |title=Ben Stokes to captain England as Joe Root misses first West Indies Test |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29387649/ben-stokes-captain-england-joe-root-misses-first-west-indies-test |access-date=30 June 2020 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} Prior to being named captain, Stokes had never led a side in a first-class, List A or Twenty20 cricket match.{{Cite web |title=New England skipper, potential debuts, and batting concerns |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1707807 |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=International Cricket Council}} In the first Test, Stokes took his 150th wicket, to become the sixth cricketer to score 4,000 runs and take 150 wickets in Tests,{{Cite web |title=Brathwaite, Dowrich half-centuries put Windies in dominant position despite Stokes four-for |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1719603 |access-date=10 July 2020 |website=International Cricket Council}} and in the first innings of the second Test, Stokes scored 176 runs, to record his tenth century in Test cricket.{{Cite web |title=Sibley's slow show and England's second-longest partnership in 20 years |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29482208/sibley-slow-show-england-second-longest-partnership-20-years |access-date=17 July 2020 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}

During the 2021 season, the England limited-over squad suffered a COVID outbreak at the end of a limited overs series against Sri Lanka. The whole squad, including the captain Eoin Morgan, had to self-isolate just before a home series against Pakistan.{{Cite news|title=England cricket 'on knife edge'|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57739919|access-date=9 July 2021}} Stokes had not played against Sri Lanka due to injury, leaving him as the most senior player for the Pakistan ODI matches, for which he was named captain.{{Cite web|date=7 July 2021|title='When a job calls, you need to stand up': Ben Stokes ready to lead ODI rookies|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/07/ben-stokes-rookies-england-odi-cricket-pakistan-covid|access-date=9 July 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}} He led the inexperienced team, in which he had almost four times as many ODI appearances as the rest of the team combined,{{Cite web|title=Stats – Ben Stokes 98, Rest 26; England's least experienced ODI XI since 1985|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/england-vs-pakistan-2021-ben-stokes-98-rest-26-england-s-least-experienced-odi-xi-since-1985-1268967|access-date=9 July 2021|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} to a nine-wicket victory in the first match.{{Cite news|last1=Berry|first1=Scyld|last2=Bagchi|first2=Rob|last3=Wilcox|first3=Greg|date=8 July 2021|title=England brush aside Pakistan with clinical win after Covid chaos of past few days|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2021/07/08/england-vs-pakistan-first-odi-live-score-latest-updates/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2021/07/08/england-vs-pakistan-first-odi-live-score-latest-updates/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=9 July 2021|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} In the next game of the series against Pakistan, Stokes played in his 100th ODI match.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-england-2021-1239529/england-vs-pakistan-2nd-odi-1239538/match-preview |title=England return to Lord's with series win in their sights |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=10 July 2021}}

On 30 July 2021, it was announced that Stokes would take an "indefinite break" from cricket.{{Cite news|title=Stokes to take break from cricket|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58033393|access-date=2021-07-30}} In October 2021, Stokes was added to England's squad for the 2021–22 Ashes series in Australia.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/59022351 |title=Ben Stokes: England add all-rounder to Ashes squad after recovery from finger operation |work=BBC Sport |access-date=25 October 2021}}

On 28 April 2022, Stokes was named as England men's Test captain after Joe Root's resignation. With new coach Brendon McCullum, Stokes developed a new style of play which would come to be known as Bazball, noted for its fearless and entertaining nature.{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Ali |date=2023-01-10 |title=Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum offer counties a guide to ‘Bazball’ |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jan/10/ben-stokes-and-brendon-mccullum-offer-counties-how-to-guide-to-bazball-cricket |access-date=2023-07-09 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last=Ronay |first=Barney |date=2022-09-12 |title=Stokes and McCullum inspire bowling attack to transform England |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/sep/12/stokes-and-mccullum-inspire-bowling-attack-to-transform-england |access-date=2023-07-09 |issn=0261-3077}}

In June 2022, Stokes started his captaincy with the 3–0 clean sweep of New Zealand cricket team in England in 2022, He scored 194 runs in 5 innings at an average of 48.50{{cite web|title=Successful run chases underscore England's exciting paradigm shift|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/122841/england-cricket-make-mockery-of-run-chases-as-change-in-approach-brings-success|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=26 November 2022}}

In July 2022, England defeated the South African team 2–1 in Test series, Stokes named Player of the Series, he scored 149 runs in 4 innings at an average of 37.25 and picked up 10 wickets at a bowling average of 15.70{{cite web|title=Thankful to have group of lads who understood the bigger picture – Stokes|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/123810/thankful-to-have-group-of-lads-who-understood-the-bigger-picture-stokes|work=Cricbuzz|date=12 September 2022 |access-date=26 November 2022}}

On 18 July 2022, Stokes announced that he would retire from ODI cricket following the first match of the series against South Africa, citing the physical and mental demands of playing all three formats.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/eng-vs-sa-1st-odi-ben-stokes-to-retire-from-odi-cricket-after-chester-le-street-farewell-1325304 |title=Ben Stokes to retire from ODI cricket after Chester-le-Street farewell |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=18 July 2022 |access-date=18 July 2022}} On 16 August 2023, it was announced Stokes would come out of ODI retirement and was named part of England's squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.{{Cite news |title=Stokes in World Cup squad after ending retirement |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/66512824 |access-date=2023-08-18}}

In 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final, Stokes scored an unbeaten 52* runs which helped England to win the World Cup by defeating Pakistan.{{cite web|title='Ben Stokes is an incredible player for the big nights'|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/124498/ben-stokes-is-born-for-these-situations-england-cricket-t20-world-cup-final|access-date=12 November 2022|work=cricbuzz}}

Following the 2022 Pakistan floods, Stokes confirmed that he would donate his match fees from the Pakistan test series to the flood appeal. Stokes added that "hopefully this donation can go towards the rebuilding of areas of Pakistan most affected by the flooding".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/nov/28/ben-stokes-england-test-cricket-match-fees-pakistan-flood-appeal |title=Ben Stokes pledges his England match fees to Pakistan flood appeal |work=The Guardian |date=28 November 2022 |access-date=28 November 2022}}

Ben Stokes came out of ODI retirement to play in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-16 |title=England’s Ben Stokes comes out of ODI retirement ahead of World Cup |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/englands-ben-stokes-comes-out-of-odi-retirement-ahead-of-world-cup-8895083/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} He failed to make impact in the initial games, before scoring a century against Netherlands.{{Cite web |title=Cricket scorecard - England vs Netherlands, 40th Match, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 |url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scorecard/75595/eng-vs-ned-40th-match-icc-cricket-world-cup-2023 |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Cricbuzz |language=en}} He scored 108 runs off 84 balls to win the Man of the Match award.{{Cite web |title=England vs Netherlands, 40th Match, Nov 08, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 |url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/75595/eng-vs-ned-40th-match-icc-cricket-world-cup-2023 |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Cricbuzz |language=en}}

Opening the batting in the second innings of the 3rd Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston on 28 July 2024, Stokes scored the fastest Test half-century by an English player. He reached his 50 off just 24 balls, surpassing Ian Botham's record set in 1981 by four deliveries, and finished on 57 not out having hit nine fours and two sixes.{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Ali |date=28 July 2024 |title=Stokes smashes England to clean sweep over West Indies after Wood’s fiery five |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/28/ben-stokes-england-clean-sweep-west-indies-third-test-cricket-match-report |website=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=28 July 2024}}{{cite web |author= |date=28 July 2024 |title=Stokes hits England's fastest Test half-century |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/ck7g9kgxleko |website=BBC Sport |location=London |access-date=28 July 2024}}{{cite web |last=Dollard |first=Rory |date=28 July 2024 |title=Mark Wood and Ben Stokes sparkle as England complete series rout of West Indies |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/mark-wood-ben-stokes-england-west-indies-edgbaston-b2587266.html |website=The Independent |location=London |access-date=28 July 2024}}

In October 2024, Ben Stokes committed to a new two-year central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), extending his tenure until the autumn of 2026. This extension underscores his pivotal role in the national team and aligns with the ECB's strategy to secure the services of key players through significant upcoming series, including the away Ashes in Australia.https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/clygny92egqo

2025: Injury and Recovery

In December 2024, during the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, Ben Stokes suffered a torn left hamstring. Subsequent assessments confirmed the severity of the injury, necessitating surgery scheduled for January 2025. As a result, Stokes was ruled out of all cricketing activities for at least three months, missing key series and tournaments during this period. Despite this setback, he expressed determination to return stronger, stating, "I ain't holding back".https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/dec/17/ben-stokes-declares-i-aint-holding-back-after-latest-injury-in-new-zealand-cricket

Stokes became engaged to Clare Ratcliffe in 2013.{{Cite news |last=Ammon |first=Elizabeth |date=29 September 2017 |title=Stokes to marry next week as wedding season begins |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/cricket/article/stokes-to-marry-next-week-as-wedding-season-begins-fgl9lj557}} They married in East Brent, Somerset in October 2017.{{Cite news |date=14 October 2017 |title=England cricketer Ben Stokes marries |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41622899}} They have two children.{{Cite web |last=Stokes |first=Ben |date=22 October 2012 |title=Layton Andrew Arthur Stokes 7lb8oz |url=https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/260371713961885696?lang=en |website=Twitter}}{{Cite web |last=Stokes |first=Clare |date=16 February 2015 |title=My little princess! Libby Sophia Mae Stokes |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/zKldEUvDZs/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/clarey11/921713798979270252 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web |last=Stokes |first=Clare |date=14 February 2016 |title=Clarey11 |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BByF1iwPDQR/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/clarey11/1185035321633158161 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}} Stokes has a tattoo of a family of lions, symbolising his own family, covering his entire back.{{cite web |url= https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/the-story-behind-ben-stokes-lion-family-tattoo/20200803.htm |title=The story behind Ben Stokes' lion family tattoo|first= Harish|last= Kotian |date=3 August 2020 |work=rediff.com}} Stokes has Maori Ngāpuhi heritage, which is also shown in one of his tattoos.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/71151435/new-zealands-best-cricketing-export-ben-stokes-brings-home-the-ashes|title = New Zealand's best cricketing export Ben Stokes brings home the Ashes|date = 15 August 2015}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cQvJCwAAQBAJ&dq=ben+stokes+%22iwi%22&pg=PT62|isbn = 9781472236739|title = Firestarter: Me, Cricket and the Heat of the Moment|date = 22 September 2016|publisher=Headline}}

Stokes and his mother received damages in 2021 from The Sun, who in 2019 had run a front-page story about a family tragedy which was argued not to be in the public interest.{{cite news |title=Ben Stokes: The Sun newspaper pays damages to England cricketer over front-page family tragedy story |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58387176 |access-date=30 August 2021 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 August 2021}}

Following the third ODI against West Indies at Bristol in September 2017, Stokes was arrested after becoming involved in a street brawl near a nightclub with two men, at which teammate Alex Hales was also present.{{Cite web |title=England's Ben Stokes arrested in Bristol after win over West Indies |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/26/ben-stokes-england-arrested-night-bristol |access-date=26 September 2017 |website=theguardian.com|date=26 September 2017 }} Stokes gave Ryan Hale, a former soldier, a 1.5-inch superficial laceration and bruising to his forehead and left him with concussion. Ryan Ali, an emergency services worker, suffered a fracture to the left of his face, a swollen left eye and a laceration above his eyebrow. He also had a cracked lower left molar.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Tom |date=2018-08-16 |title=Man punched by Ben Stokes speaks out for first time since trial |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/ben-stokes-case-codefendant-ryan-hale-speaks-out-to-say-he-should-have-been-treated-as-assault-victim-a3913406.html |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=The Standard |language=en}} This incident led to both players missing the fourth game of the series, and a hand injury sustained in the brawl also ruled Stokes out of the final game.{{Cite news |last1=Hoult |first1=Nick |last2=Bloom |first2=Ben |date=27 September 2017 |title=Ben Stokes in Ashes squad but will head to Australia with broken finger sustained from fight that led to arrest |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2017/09/27/england-name-ashes-squad-plus-latest-ben-stokes-arrest-live/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2017/09/27/england-name-ashes-squad-plus-latest-ben-stokes-arrest-live/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=28 September 2017 |issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} He also missed the 2017–18 Ashes and the second Test match against India due to the incident and the subsequent trial.{{Cite web |title=Stokes withdrawn from Ashes pending investigation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20932476/stokes-withdrawn-ashes-pending-investigation |access-date=3 November 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo|date=6 October 2017 }}{{Cite news |title=Ben Stokes' absence adds to England's batting concerns for Trevor Bayliss |language=en |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24292229/ben-stokes-absence-adds-england-batting-concerns-trevor-bayliss |access-date=7 August 2018}} He lost his apparel sponsorship with New Balance over these incidents.{{Cite news |date=12 October 2017 |title=Ben Stokes has £200,000 per year sponsorship deal terminated |language=en-GB |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ben-stokes-video-katie-price-harvey-new-balance-sponsor-alex-hales-bristol-a7995946.html |access-date=28 May 2018}}

Stokes was charged on 15 January 2018 with affray along with the two other men, and appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court on 13 February 2018.{{Cite news |title=Ben Stokes: England cricketer charged with affray |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/41798404 |access-date=15 January 2018 }} During the trial, which started on 6 August 2018, Stokes said he was defending a gay couple from homophobic abuse from the other two men.{{Cite news |title=Cricketer Ben Stokes accused of lying to the jury over 'homophobic abuse' |work=Sky |url=https://news.sky.com/story/cricketer-ben-stokes-accused-of-lying-to-the-jury-over-homophobic-abuse-11468698 |access-date=14 July 2019}}{{Cite news |date=6 August 2018 |title=Cricketer Ben Stokes 'mocked gay men before nightclub fight' |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-45082248 |access-date=6 August 2018}} He was acquitted on 14 August.{{Cite news |date=14 August 2018 |title=Cricketer Ben Stokes found not guilty of affray |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-45182868}} The couple thanked Stokes afterwards for defending them, saying that he "didn't deserve being put through a trial".{{cite news |date=15 August 2018 |title=Gay couple thank Ben Stokes for defending them after England cricketer is acquitted for affray |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/ben-stokes-acquittal-affray-gay-couple-thankful-homophobic-abuse-a8491776.html |access-date=14 July 2019}}

In September 2018, Stokes was charged with bringing the game into disrepute by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over the incident in Bristol and social media posts.{{Cite news |date=18 September 2018 |title=Ben Stokes and Alex Hales charged with bringing game into disrepute |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/45561380 |access-date=18 September 2018}} Stokes pleaded guilty to the charges, and in December 2018 was fined £30,000 and banned for eight matches, an exclusion which he had already served by that time.{{Cite news |date=7 December 2018 |title=Ben Stokes & Alex Hales fined over Bristol fight |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46486977 |access-date=7 December 2018}}

Stokes has been open about the mental health issues he has faced during his career.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Matthew |date=2023-01-27 |title=Ben Stokes opens up about mental health break as "everything got a bit too much" |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-ben-stokes-mental-health-29067085 |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=mirror |language=en}} In June 2021 Stokes announced an indefinite break from cricket to focus on his 'mental wellbeing'. He later explained the combination of feeling let down over the ECB's handling of the Bristol nightclub incident, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the death of his father Ged Stokes in December 2020 due to brain cancer{{Cite news |date=9 December 2020 |title=RFL tribute following death of Ged Stokes |work=Huddersfield Daily Examiner |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/RFL+tribute+following+death+of+Ged+Stokes.-a0644277932 |access-date=28 April 2021}} had led him to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. As of August 2022 Stokes said he was still speaking to his therapist, and continuing to take anti-anxiety medication.{{Cite web |title=Ben Stokes: England Test captain on mental health, including his struggle with anxiety and panic attacks |url=https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12173/12679605/ben-stokes-england-test-captain-on-mental-health-including-his-struggle-with-anxiety-and-panic-attacks |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}

{{Quote box

| quote = I find sometimes people are a bit nervous to go into the detail about that kind of stuff with me. It's perceived you can't feel a certain way – that's a sign of weakness to show that you are not mentally feeling great. People think they can't ask people who have struggled. No. It's fine. I'll happily tell you as much as I possibly can.

| author = Ben Stokes

| source = The Telegraph{{Cite news |last=Hoult |first=Nick |last2=Wilson |first2=Jeremy |date=2022-08-22 |title=Ben Stokes reveals he needs anxiety drugs to deal with father's death |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2022/08/22/ben-stokes-reveals-needed-anxiety-drugs-deal-fathers-death/ |access-date=2023-07-09 |issn=0307-1235}}

}}

Consequently, part of the ethos of the Bazball style under Stokes has been an increased focus on mental wellbeing and conditioning of the players.{{Cite news |title=Behind the 'Bazball' buzz – why there is no turning back for England |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/66002650 |access-date=2023-07-09}}

• Man of the Match in the final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup.{{Cite web |date=2019-07-15 |title=World Cup 2019 Awards Winners: Man of the Tournament and Man of the Match |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket-world-cup/cricket-world-cup-2019-awards-winners-list-man-of-the-tournament-and-man-of-the-match-5829154/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
• Second-fastest Test double hundred in terms of balls faced.{{Cite web |title=Records / Test matches / Batting records / Fastest double hundreds |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/284135.html |access-date=22 September 2015 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}
• Fastest 250 in Tests for which he took only 196 balls.{{Cite web |title=Statistics / Test matches / Batting records |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=batting_strike_rate;runsmin1=250;runsval1=runs;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |access-date=22 September 2015 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}{{Cite web |title=South Africa v England at Cape Town, Jan 2–6, 2016 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-england-2015-16/engine/match/800463.html |access-date=4 January 2016 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}{{Cite news |date=3 January 2016 |title=Ben Stokes hits fastest England double century in Tests |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/35216886 |access-date=4 January 2016}}
• Second highest number of sixes in a Test innings – 11 sixes{{Cite web |title=Records / Test matches / Batting records / *Most sixes in an innings |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283126.html |access-date=4 January 2016 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}
• Highest number of sixes in a Test career
• Most runs in a Test innings at the sixth position – 258 runs{{Cite web |title=Records / Test matches / Batting records / Most runs in an innings (by batting position) |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/282860.html |access-date=4 January 2016 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}
• Most runs in the first session of a day in Tests – 130 runs{{Cite web |title=Records / Test matches / Batting records / Hundred runs before lunch |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283003.html |access-date=4 January 2016 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}{{Cite web |title=One session, 130 runs |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-england-2015-16/content/story/957573.html |access-date=4 January 2016 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}
• Highest Test partnership for the sixth wicket. He achieved this feat against South Africa when he made a partnership of 399 runs with Jonny Bairstow.{{Cite web |title=Records / Test matches / Partnership records / Highest partnerships by wicket |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/sl/content/records/283575.html |access-date=4 January 2016 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}
• Became the second cricketer after Ian Botham to have over 4,000 runs and over 100 wickets in Tests for England.{{Cite web |last=McGee |first=Nicholas |title=England vs South Africa: Ben Stokes crosses 4,000 Test runs |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/england-vs-south-africa-third-test-day-two-ben-stokes-4000-test-runs-ian-botham/article30586996.ece |access-date=18 January 2020 |website=Sportstar |date=17 January 2020 |language=en}}
• Highest number of sixes in a County Championship innings – 17 (for Durham against Worcestershire in May 2022){{Cite web |title=Ben Stokes smashes record 17 sixes as he makes 161 for Durham on his County Championship return |url=https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12149/12606664/ben-stokes-smashes-five-sixes-in-a-row-to-clinch-64-ball-hundred-for-durham-in-county-championship |access-date=2022-05-15 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}
• Most runs in an ODI innings for England – 182 runs{{Cite web |title=Stats – Stokes 182 the highest individual ODI score for England |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/eng-vs-nz-2023-ben-stokes-records-the-highest-individual-odi-score-for-england-1398098 |access-date=2023-09-14 |work=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}

England

ICC Cricket World Cup – 2019

ICC T20 World Cup – 2022

• He was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Allerdale on 25 September 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/news-and-blog/ben-stokes-to-be-made-freeman-of-allerdale/ |title=Ben Stokes to be made Freeman of Allerdale |last=Irving |first=Jonathan |date=26 September 2019 |website=Allerdale Borough Council |access-date=4 July 2022 }}
• He was awarded the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year in Aberdeen.{{Cite news |date=15 December 2019 |title=Sports Personality of the Year 2019: Ben Stokes crowned winner |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality/50757574 |access-date=15 December 2019}}
• Stokes was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to cricket.{{London Gazette|issue=62866|supp=y|page=N15|date=28 December 2019}}
• Cricket World Cup Winner 2019
• He was named as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World in the 2020, 2021 and 2023 editions of the Almanack.{{Cite web|title=Ben Stokes named Wisden's leading cricketer in the world for second straight year|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/wisden-2021-ben-stokes-named-leading-cricketer-in-the-world-for-second-straight-year-1258968|access-date=15 April 2021|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}
• Named as the Indian Premier League's Most Valuable Player for the 2017 season.

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://benstokes38.com/ Official website]
• [https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/athlete/ben-stokes Athlete profile of Ben Stokes] on Redbull.com
• {{cricinfo|id=311158}}
• [http://www.durhamccc.co.uk/pages/ben-stokes/ Ben Stokes] at Durham County Cricket Club

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