Ben Stokes

Let’s explore the story behind one of the best all-rounder in the world, Ben Stokes, the captain of England national cricket team.

Ben Stokes: The ‘Dragon‘ from England

Ben Stokes’ cricket journey from Durham to the global stage of the IPL reflects his commitment, combining aggressive batting and bowling, with never-say-die attitude.

While continuing to be a pivotal figure in cricket, inspiring many with his journey, here some stories about Stokes’ history, stats, and beyond:

Early Life and Personal Information

Benjamin Andrew Stokes, born on 4 June 1991 in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a renowned international cricketer and one of the most dynamic all-rounders of the modern era.

The son of rugby league player Gerald Stokes, Ben’s cricketing prowess was evident from a young age.

His journey in cricket began in earnest when he signed a two-year county contract with Durham at the age of 18.

Domestic Career

Ben Stokes’ domestic career kick-started with his one-day debut for Durham against Surrey in 2009, a match where he made an immediate impact by taking the wicket of Mark Ramprakash.

His first-class debut followed in 2010 against MCC in Abu Dhabi, where he not only scored his first fifty but also took a wicket, showcasing his all-round capabilities.

Stokes’ performances in domestic cricket were consistently impressive. He compiled 827 runs and captured 37 wickets at an average of 21.47, which highlighted his potential as a future star.

His all-round heroics in Durham’s championship-winning campaign were particularly noteworthy, earning him a spot in the England Lions development squad for the Australian tour.

However, Stokes’ journey was not without its challenges. He faced disciplinary issues, which led to him being sent back from the Australian tour along with Matt Coles.

After a period of rehabilitation and reflection, Stokes returned to top-flight cricket with renewed focus and determination.

His domestic career saw a blend of explosive batting and effective bowling. Stokes’ ability to change the game with both bat and ball made him a valuable player in the English county circuit.

His performances for Durham played a crucial role in his selection for the national team and paved the way for his international success.

Indian Premier League (IPL) Career

In the most popular tournament around the world, Indian Premier League, Stokes made a significant impact.

He was picked up by the Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, where he demonstrated why he was worth the investment.

Stokes excelled as a death bowler and played some match-winning innings, including a memorable IPL century.

His performance in the 2017 season, with over 300 runs and more than 10 wickets, established him as one of the most valuable players of that season.

Stokes continued to attract high bids in the IPL auctions, being snapped up by Rajasthan Royals in 2018.

Despite a less impactful performance in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, his all-round abilities kept him in high demand.

In 2021, an injury curtailed his participation after just one match, and he opted out of the 2022 season to focus on national commitments.

In 2023, Stokes joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a hefty sum but faced another setback with a toe injury, limiting his participation.

Despite these challenges, Stokes’ reputation as a game-changing all-rounder remained intact in the IPL.

Test Cricket Career

Ben Stokes began his Test cricket career in December 2013 against Australia. His first Test century in Perth was an early highlight.

Known for his all-round abilities, Stokes combined aggressive batting with effective bowling.

Notable early performances include his contribution to England’s 2015 series win against New Zealand.

By 2016, he reached 2000 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket, the second-fastest to do so.

His significant innings in the 2019 Ashes series at Headingley was a highlight, demonstrating his impact on the game.

Stokes has continued to be a key player for England, with performances like his double century against South Africa in Cape Town.

ODI Cricket Career

Stokes’ ODI career started against Ireland in 2011. His initial years were marked by fluctuating performances, including a difficult 2015 World Cup.

After 2015, his ODI performance improved, contributing to England’s success in the format.

His key moment was in the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand, where his performance helped England win their first World Cup.

T20 International Career

Stokes’ T20 International career began in 2011 against the West Indies. His early T20I career was less successful compared to other formats.

He played in the 2016 T20 World Cup, notably in the final over against the West Indies.

Stokes has remained a part of England’s T20I squad, contributing with his skills, although his T20I achievements are less prominent than in Test and ODI cricket.

Ben Stokes: Through the Records

Ben Stokes also known as Dragon, an all-rounder for the England cricket team, has established himself as one of the most dynamic and impactful players in the cricketing world.

His career, spanning from 2011 to 2023, is adorned with remarkable records and achievements across all formats of the game. Here’s an in-depth look at some of his significant records:

Top Records

Test Matches

• Most runs in an innings by batting position: Scored a staggering 258 runs.
• Hundred and a ninety in a match
• Most sixes in career: Hit an impressive total of 124 sixes.
• Most catches in an innings: Demonstrated exceptional fielding skills with 5 catches.
• 1000 runs and 100 wickets
• 1000 runs, 50 wickets, and 50 catches
• 5000 runs and 50 fielding dismissals
• Highest partnership for the sixth wicket: An incredible 399 runs partnership, highlighting his teamwork.

One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Most runs in an innings by batting position: Scored a remarkable 182 runs.
• Dismissed for 99
• Unusual dismissals: Noted for his 5th position in obstructing the field.
• 1000 runs, 50 wickets, and 50 catches
• Highest partnership for the seventh wicket: A solid 129 runs partnership.

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)

• Worst career bowling average and economy rate: Despite his success, he has a career bowling average of 32.92 and an economy rate of 8.39.

Combined Test, ODI, and T20I Records:

• Most consecutive ducks: Recorded 4 consecutive ducks.
• Most sixes in career: A total of 255 sixes across formats.
• Most catches in career: An impressive 179 catches.

Other Notable Records

Test Matches

• Highest strike rate in an innings: An aggressive 227.77.
• Most player-of-the-match awards: A total of 10 awards.
• Most player-of-the-series awards: Garnered 4 awards.

ODIs

• Best figures in an innings on the losing side: Took 5 wickets.
• Youngest player to take five-wickets-in-an-innings: Achieved at 22 years and 104 days.

Ben Stokes’ Family: A Story of Triumph and Tragedy

Ben Stokes, a renowned name in international cricket, has a family background that intertwines triumph and tragedy, shaping him into the cricketer and person he is today.

Born on June 4, 1991, in Christchurch, New Zealand, Stokes’ life and career have been significantly influenced by his family’s journey.

Family Origins and Early Life

Ben Stokes’ father, Gerard Stokes, known as ‘Ged,’ was a well-known rugby league footballer and coach.

He played a pivotal role in Ben’s early life, especially when the family moved to England for his coaching career.

Ben Stokes’ mother, Debbie Stokes, who faced a tragic past before Ben’s birth, found new hope and purpose with his arrival.

However, Stokes also has Māori roots, adding to the rich cultural heritage of his family.

Relocation and Early Career

At the age of 12, Stokes moved to England when his father took up the role of head coach for Workington Town rugby league club.

This move was crucial for his development, both personally and in his cricketing career.

He attended Cockermouth School and played for Cockermouth Cricket Club, where he began to shine as a cricketer.

Tragic Family History

• A Dark Past: The Stokes family faced a horrific tragedy in 1988, three years before Ben’s birth. Richard Dunn, Debbie’s ex-husband, in a moment of despair and jealousy, fatally shot their two children, Tracey and Andrew, before taking his own life.
• Media Controversy: The British tabloid ‘Sun’ published this deeply personal story, which Ben Stokes condemned as an invasion of privacy and a low point in journalism. This incident brought to light the private struggles of the Stokes family.

Personal Life

Ben Stokes has been in a long-term relationship with Clare Ratcliffe.

They have been through significant life events together, including the passing of Clare’s father, which led to their engagement and eventual marriage.

The couple has two children, Layton (born in 2012) and Libby (born in 2014), marking the growth and happiness in their family life.

Behind the Bat and Balls: Net Worth of Ben Stokes’

Ben Stokes, England’s Test skipper and a key figure in two World Cup-winning teams, has not only made a name for himself on the cricket field but also in terms of his financial success. Here are some key point of Stokes’ net worth:

Net Worth

Ben Stokes’ estimated net worth stands at an impressive $13 million (INR 105 crore). This substantial figure is the result of his earnings from cricket, including his contract with the England Cricket Board (ECB), lucrative IPL contracts, and various brand endorsements.

Cricket Earnings

ECB Contract

Stokes’ primary income source is his contract with the ECB, with his monthly income and salary exceeding $83,000, pushing his annual earnings over $1 million.

IPL Contracts

Stokes has been a sought-after player in the IPL. For the 2023 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed him for INR 16.25 crore. He previously played for Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Super Giants, with contracts worth Rs 14.5 crore and Rs 12.50 crore, respectively.

Brand Endorsements

Stokes has endorsed several notable brands, including Red Bull, Adidas, Dream 11, Royal Staf, London Pilsner, and Seaham Hall. These endorsements significantly boost his income, adding to his net worth.

Real Estate and Business Investments

Stokes resides in a castle-like home in Durham, valued at INR 17 crore. His real estate investments are a key part of his financial portfolio. He is involved with the Social Cricket hospitality chain, Sixes, reflecting his business acumen.

Luxury Cars

Stokes’ love for luxury is evident in his car collection, which includes high-end vehicles like a Mercedes AMG GT63, Range Rover, Mercedes, and Audi.

Ben Stokes: A Timeline of Controversies

Ben Stokes, one of the most prominent figures in modern cricket, has had his share of controversies that have made headlines alongside his cricketing achievements. Here’s a look at some of the major controversies involving Ben Stokes:

1. The ICC World Cup Deflection Incident

During the 2019 ICC World Cup final, a significant controversy arose involving Ben Stokes. In a crucial moment of the match, a throw from the outfield deflected off Stokes’ bat as he dived to complete a second run, resulting in four additional runs to England’s total.

2. Obstructing the Field Controversy

In a 2015 ODI match against Australia, Stokes was controversially given out for obstructing the field.

The incident occurred when he, out of his crease after hitting the ball back to bowler Mitchell Starc, stuck out his hand to block the return throw at his stumps.

The umpires deemed it intentional obstruction, leading to his dismissal.

3. The Bristol Nightclub Incident

In 2017, Stokes was involved in a fistfight outside a nightclub in Bristol. This incident had significant repercussions on his career and personal life.

He was banned for eight matches and missed England’s crucial five-match Test series against Australia in 2017-18.

In 2018, he was acquitted of all charges, but the incident left a lasting impact on his public image.

Stokes later expressed concerns about the effect of this incident on his family, particularly the need to explain the situation to his children in the future.

4. Mental Health Struggle

Apart from these on-field and legal controversies, Stokes has also opened up about his struggles with mental health, especially following the death of his father, Ged.

His candid discussions about mental health have brought attention to the pressures faced by top-level athletes.

5. Mocking a Disabled Teen

In a highly criticized incident, Ben Stokes was filmed imitating Harvey Price, the 15-year-old son of UK model Katie Price, who suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome.

Harvey, who appeared on the television show “Loose Women,” was mocked by Stokes in a video for using offensive language.

This act drew significant outrage, especially from Harvey’s mother, who expressed her dismay at a public figure finding amusement in her son’s disability.

Stokes’ actions were widely condemned for being insensitive and inappropriate, especially given his status as a public figure.

6. Australian Newspaper Mockery

Ben Stokes was mocked by an Australian newspaper as a “crybaby with nappies,” a derogatory portrayal that Stokes responded to.

This incident reflects the often adversarial relationship between athletes and media, where public figures can become targets of ridicule and criticism, sometimes crossing the line of respectful journalism.