Benjamin Andrew Stokes (born 4 June 1991) is an English international cricketer and the captain of the England Test team. An all-rounder who bats left-handed in the middle order and bowls right-arm fast, Stokes has represented England in all three international formats and is widely regarded as one of England's greatest all-rounders. In domestic cricket, he plays for Durham, and he has also featured in several Twenty20 leagues around the world.
| Full name | Benjamin Andrew Stokes |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 June 1991, Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Nationality | English |
| Role | All-rounder (left-handed batsman, right-arm fast bowler) |
| Batting position | Middle order |
| Domestic team | Durham |
| Test debut | 2013 |
| ODI debut | 2011 |
| T20I debut | 2011 |
| Test captain | Since April 2022 |
| Major titles | 2019 Cricket World Cup, 2022 T20 World Cup |
Stokes was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, and moved to England as a child. He came through the English domestic system with Durham, the county he continues to represent.
Stokes made his One Day International and Twenty20 International debuts in 2011, and his Test debut followed in 2013. Over the years, he has established himself as a key figure across formats for England.
Stokes was part of the England side that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup. In the final, he top-scored in England's innings and then batted in the tied Super Over, earning the Man of the Match award as England claimed their first 50-over world title.
In April 2022, Stokes was appointed captain of England's Test team. He played his 100th Test match against India on 15 February 2024.
Stokes was a member of the England team that won the 2022 T20 World Cup, top-scoring in the final.
Stokes's contributions in white-ball finals, particularly the 2019 World Cup final and the 2022 T20 World Cup final, have shaped two of the most significant titles in English cricket history. As Test captain, he has overseen an attacking approach to the longest format in partnership with head coach Brendon McCullum, and his batting records, including the 258 at Cape Town and the 399-run stand with Bairstow, place him among the most influential English all-rounders of his era.