When you think of modern cricket’s greatest all-rounders, one name instantly comes to mind—Ben Stokes. Known for his fearless batting, fiery bowling, and unmatched fighting spirit, Stokes has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential players in England’s cricket history.
But who is Ben Stokes beyond the big sixes and match-winning spells? Let’s dive into his journey, explore his career stats across all formats, and understand why he’s often called the heartbeat of English cricket.
Early Life and Background
Ben Stokes was born on June 4, 1991, in Canterbury, New Zealand, but his cricketing destiny lay with England. His father, Ged Stokes, was a former rugby league player and coach, which meant sports were a huge part of his upbringing.
When Stokes moved to England as a child, his raw talent quickly caught the attention of coaches. By his teenage years, he was already making waves in county cricket with Durham, showcasing his aggressive batting and sharp medium-fast bowling.
Personal Profile at a Glance
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Full Name: Ben Stokes
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Born: June 4, 1991 (Age 34 in 2025)
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Birthplace: Canterbury, New Zealand
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Height: 185 cm
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Role: Batting All-Rounder
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Batting Style: Left-Handed Bat
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Bowling Style: Right-arm Fast-Medium
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Country: England
The Rise of Ben Stokes
Stokes made his international debut in 2011, but it wasn’t until a couple of years later that he truly established himself. His Test debut came against Australia in December 2013, where he immediately impressed with his fighting century in Adelaide.
From there, Stokes’ career took off. He became the player England looked to in tough situations—the man who could change the game with either bat or ball.
Ben Stokes Batting Career Stats
While Stokes is an all-rounder, his batting alone has earned him a reputation as one of the most destructive players in world cricket. Let’s break down his numbers:
Test Cricket
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Matches: 111
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Runs: 6,728
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Highest Score: 258
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Average: 35.41
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Strike Rate: 59.74
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50s/100s: 35/13
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Notable Fact: His 258 against South Africa is one of the fastest double centuries in Test history.
ODI Cricket
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Matches: 114
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Runs: 3,463
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Highest Score: 182
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Average: 41.23
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Strike Rate: 95.69
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50s/100s: 24/5
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Highlight: His unbeaten 84 in the 2019 ICC World Cup Final will forever be remembered as one of the greatest innings in cricket history.
T20 Internationals
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Matches: 43
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Runs: 585
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Highest Score: 52
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Average: 21.67
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Strike Rate: 128.01
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Sixes: 22
Indian Premier League (IPL)
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Matches: 45
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Runs: 935
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Highest Score: 107
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Average: 24.61
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Strike Rate: 133.96
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Centuries: 2
While his IPL journey has been stop-start due to injuries, his all-round performances (especially with Rajasthan Royals) showed his value in T20 leagues.
Ben Stokes Bowling Career Stats
What makes Stokes a complete package is his bowling. A right-arm fast-medium bowler, he has often broken partnerships when England desperately needed a wicket.
Test Cricket
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Wickets: 213 in 111 matches
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Best Figures: 6/22
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Bowling Average: 32.16
ODI Cricket
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Wickets: 74 in 114 matches
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Best Figures: 5/61
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Bowling Average: 42.39
T20 Internationals
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Wickets: 26 in 43 matches
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Best Figures: 3/26
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Bowling Average: 32.92
IPL
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Wickets: 28 in 45 matches
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Best Figures: 3/15
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Economy Rate: 8.64
Career Timeline and Milestones
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2011: International debut against Ireland (ODI).
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2013: Test debut against Australia in Adelaide.
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2016: Scored 258 against South Africa—the fastest 250 in Tests.
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2019: Match-winning knock in the ICC Cricket World Cup Final against New Zealand.
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2022: Played a crucial role in England’s T20 World Cup victory with a steady knock in the final.
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2023–2025: Continued as England’s Test captain, bringing an aggressive “Bazball” approach to the game.
Ben Stokes in Major Tournaments
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2019 World Cup Final: His unbeaten 84 and Super Over heroics helped England win their first-ever World Cup.
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2022 T20 World Cup Final: Anchored England’s chase in the final against Pakistan with a composed fifty.
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Ashes Performances: Known for his unforgettable 135* at Headingley in 2019, a knock that single-handedly won England the Test.
Ben Stokes as England’s Captain
Since taking over as England’s Test captain in 2022, Stokes has transformed the team’s mindset. Under him and coach Brendon McCullum, England embraced an ultra-aggressive style nicknamed “Bazball.”
This bold approach has not only revived England’s Test cricket but also made them one of the most entertaining teams to watch.
Also Read : Tom Blundell Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Beyond the Field
Stokes isn’t just a cricketer; he’s a personality. Known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, he has faced challenges both on and off the field, including injuries, mental health struggles, and controversies.
However, his openness about mental health has made him a role model for young athletes worldwide. Fans admire him not just for his skills but for his honesty and resilience.
Ben Stokes Career Information
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T20I Debut: vs West Indies, Sep 23, 2011 (Kennington Oval)
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Last T20I: vs Pakistan, Nov 13, 2022 (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
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Test Debut: vs Australia, Dec 5, 2013 (Adelaide Oval)
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Last Test: vs Zimbabwe, May 22, 2025 (Trent Bridge)
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ODI Debut: vs Ireland, Aug 25, 2011 (Castle Avenue)
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Last ODI: vs Pakistan, Nov 11, 2023 (Eden Gardens)
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IPL Debut: vs Mumbai Indians, Apr 6, 2017 (Pune)
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Last IPL: vs Lucknow Super Giants, Apr 3, 2023 (Chennai)
Why Fans Love Ben Stokes
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He thrives under pressure.
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Always gives 100% whether batting, bowling, or fielding.
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Has produced some of the most iconic moments in cricket history.
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A true team player and leader.
Conclusion
Ben Stokes is more than just an all-rounder—he’s a game-changer, leader, and inspiration. From his breathtaking knocks to his crucial wickets, he has redefined what it means to be a modern cricketer.
As of 2025, at 34 years old, Stokes is still going strong, leading England with passion and continuing to thrill fans worldwide. Whether you’re looking at his stats or his unforgettable match-winning moments, one thing is clear: Ben Stokes is a legend in the making, and his story is far from over.
