Ben Stokes is an English professional cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world.
He was born on June 4, 1991, in Christchurch, New Zealand, and later moved to England with his family.
Stokes made his international debut for England in 2011 and has since become a key player in both the Test and limited-overs formats of the game.
As a left-handed batsman, Stokes is known for his aggressive and powerful style of play, capable of scoring quick runs and playing match-winning innings.
He has a Test batting average of over 36 and has scored several memorable centuries, including a remarkable 135 not out against Australia in the 2019 Ashes series.
Stokes is also a right-arm fast-medium bowler, capable of generating significant pace and swing.
He has taken crucial wickets for England in various matches and has a Test bowling average of around 32.
In addition to his batting and bowling skills, Stokes is an exceptional fielder, often taking stunning catches and affecting run-outs with his athleticism and agility.
Off the field, Stokes has faced personal challenges and controversies, including a highly publicized incident in 2017 that led to his suspension from international cricket.
However, he has since made a remarkable comeback, winning numerous accolades and playing a vital role in England’s success, including their historic 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup victory and the 2020-21 Ashes series win in Australia.
Ben Stokes’ wife
Stokes’ wife is Clare Ratcliffe, a primary school teacher and a mother of two children.
Clare describes herself as a “cricket widow and PA to Ben Stokes”, according to Sportskeeda.
She married Stokes in October 2018.
Clare has been standing by her husband’s side throughout his court case, accompanying him into court alongside his legal team.
Stokes himself has said that meeting Clare and having their kids forced him to grow up fast.
Ben Stokes career
Stokes made his debut for Durham in 2009 and quickly established himself as a talented all-rounder.
He made his international debut for England in 2011, but it wasn’t until the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia that he really made his mark on the international stage.
In the second Test of that series, he scored a stunning century in a losing cause, and followed it up with a series of impressive performances with both bat and ball.
Since then, Stokes has become a key member of the England team in all formats of the game.
He played a crucial role in England’s historic victory in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, scoring a match-winning 84 not out in the final against New Zealand.
He was also instrumental in England’s dramatic victory in the third Test of the 2019 Ashes series, scoring an unbeaten 135 to help his team chase down a target of 359.
Off the field, Stokes has had his share of controversies.
In 2017, he was arrested and charged with affray following an incident outside a nightclub in Bristol.
He was subsequently found not guilty, but was banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board for bringing the game into disrepute.
Despite these setbacks, Stokes remains one of the most exciting and talented cricketers in the world.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, as well as his athleticism in the field, make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.