Ben Stokes is one of cricket’s biggest names, known for his exceptional skills as an all-rounder. The English cricketer, with his powerful batting, fast-medium bowling, and fearless attitude, has had a significant impact on the game. In 2024, Stokes’ career is facing some ups and downs due to injuries, retirement decisions, and future plans. Let’s dive into the latest updates, his career highlights, and what lies ahead for him.
Stokes recently signed a new central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), securing his position until 2026. However, he is dealing with a hamstring injury, which has kept him out of some important matches, including the first Test against Pakistan. Additionally, Stokes made a surprising decision to skip the 2024 T20 World Cup, prioritizing his fitness to make a strong return to the game.
Summary of Ben Stokes’ Career and Achievements
| Category | Achievements and Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 33 years (Born June 4, 1991) |
| Test Matches | 105 matches, 6,508 runs, 203 wickets |
| ODIs | 114 matches, 3,463 runs, 74 wickets |
| T20Is | 43 matches, 585 runs, 26 wickets |
| IPL | 45 matches, 935 runs, 28 wickets |
| Retirement from ODIs | July 2022 (briefly came out of retirement in 2023) |
| Current Status | Signed with ECB until 2026, focusing on Test cricket |
| 2024 T20 World Cup | Opted out due to fitness concerns |
Key Takeaways
- Ben Stokes is an English cricketer famous for his all-round abilities, including batting and bowling.
- In 2024, Stokes signed a new contract with the ECB but is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
- He opted out of the 2024 T20 World Cup to focus on his fitness.
- Stokes retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2022, with a brief comeback in 2023.
- At 33 years old, Stokes continues to focus on Test cricket while managing his workload.
Ben Stokes’ Early Career and Achievements
Ben Stokes was born on June 4, 1991, making him 33 years old in 2024. He made his debut for England’s national team in 2011, and since then, he has established himself as one of the world’s best all-rounders. Stokes is renowned for his extraordinary performances in crucial matches, including the 2019 Cricket World Cup final, where his heroics helped England secure their first World Cup title.
His career statistics are impressive:
- Test Matches: 105 matches, 6,508 runs, 203 wickets
- ODIs: 114 matches, 3,463 runs, 74 wickets
- T20 Internationals: 43 matches, 585 runs, 26 wickets
- Indian Premier League (IPL): 45 matches, 935 runs, 28 wickets
These numbers reflect Stokes’ ability to contribute with both bat and ball, making him an invaluable player for his team.
Why Is Ben Stokes Not Playing?
In 2024, Ben Stokes has been facing fitness challenges due to a hamstring injury. This injury kept him out of the first Test against Pakistan and has been a reason for concern regarding his participation in other upcoming matches. Stokes chose to skip the 2024 T20 World Cup to concentrate on recovering fully and returning to bowling. His absence from the T20 World Cup is a significant blow to England’s team, as his presence is often a game-changer.
Understanding Ben Stokes’ Retirement Decisions
Ben Stokes announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) in July 2022 to focus more on Test and T20 cricket. His decision surprised many, as he was still performing well in the limited-overs format. In 2023, he briefly came out of retirement to participate in the World Cup, showcasing his commitment to England’s success. However, he has since reaffirmed his retirement from ODIs and now focuses mainly on Test cricket while also being selective about T20 matches.
The Meaning Behind Ben Stokes’ Name in Cricket
When people hear the name "Ben Stokes," they think of resilience, determination, and top-level performances in the cricket world. His ability to deliver under pressure has made him a legendary figure, especially after memorable innings like the one in the 2019 World Cup final. The name "Stokes" symbolizes never giving up, as he has often turned matches in England’s favor when defeat seemed certain.
Ben Stokes’ Presence in the IPL
Stokes has had a notable career in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has played for teams such as Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings. However, he decided to opt out of the 2024 IPL season. This choice was influenced by his ongoing efforts to manage his fitness and workload, ensuring he remains in top form for crucial international matches.
Ben Stokes’ Latest News in 2024
There have been several major developments regarding Ben Stokes in 2024:
- New Central Contract with ECB: Stokes has secured his future with England’s cricket team until 2026 by signing a two-year central contract with the ECB.
- Hamstring Injury Recovery: He is working on regaining full fitness, with hopes to return soon.
- Supporting Joe Root’s Record Pursuit: Stokes has expressed confidence in teammate Joe Root, backing him to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most Test runs.
- Focus on Test Cricket: While taking a break from limited-overs cricket, Stokes continues to be a pivotal figure in England’s Test lineup.
Is Ben Stokes Retired from T20 Cricket?
Despite rumors and his decision to skip the 2024 T20 World Cup, Ben Stokes has not officially retired from T20 Internationals. His absence from the tournament is a strategic move to prioritize his recovery and ensure he can bowl effectively once he returns to the field.
FAQs
Why is Ben Stokes not playing in the 2024 T20 World Cup?
Ben Stokes opted out of the 2024 T20 World Cup to focus on his fitness and recovery from a hamstring injury. He wants to return to bowling at full capacity and avoid aggravating his injury.
Is Ben Stokes retired from T20 cricket?
No, Ben Stokes has not retired from T20 Internationals. Although he chose to skip the 2024 T20 World Cup, he is still available for future T20 matches.
What are Ben Stokes’ notable career statistics?
Ben Stokes has impressive stats across formats:
- Test Matches: 6,508 runs and 203 wickets
- ODIs: 3,463 runs and 74 wickets
- T20Is: 585 runs and 26 wickets
- IPL: 935 runs and 28 wickets
How old is Ben Stokes in 2024?
Ben Stokes is 33 years old, having been born on June 4, 1991.
Why did Ben Stokes retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs)?
Stokes retired from ODIs in July 2022 to concentrate on Test and T20 cricket. He felt that managing all three formats was challenging and decided to focus on areas where he could contribute more effectively.
Will Ben Stokes play in the IPL again?
As of 2024, Ben Stokes opted out of the IPL season to manage his workload and recover from injuries. However, he may consider returning to the IPL in future seasons if his fitness allows.
What makes Ben Stokes a cricket legend?
Ben Stokes is regarded as a cricket legend because of his ability to perform exceptionally in high-pressure situations, such as the 2019 World Cup final. His all-round skills in batting, bowling, and fielding make him a valuable asset for any team.
Stokes continues to be a central figure in cricket, inspiring young players with his talent, determination, and sportsmanship. As he navigates through the challenges of injuries and career transitions, fans worldwide eagerly await his next big performance.