The Ashes will commence in two days, and we cannot control our excitement with the incoming entertainment of Test cricket. And to add more spice to this event, the England Cricket board announced a significant name returning to their squad. Yes! ‘Sir’ Ben Stokes is back from his break, and to say the least, the Ashes have just become more attractive. So let’s look at how Ben Stokes’ contribution has been to this iconic series over the years.
Ben Stokes as a batter in the Ashes
With nearly 20% of his career runs coming in the Ashes, Ben Stokes has undoubtedly been one of the prime contributors for England over the years in this competition. However, the sheer fact that he was the only English batter who scored a ton in the 2013-14 season (his maiden Ashes), a series dominated by ruthless Mitchell Johnson’s peak bowling, says a lot about his batting contribution.
His batting average in Ashes has been slightly on the upper side compared to his career average of 37.04. With a batting average of 38.37, Stokes has notched three quality centuries in the Ashes along with four half-centuries.
Ashes 2019: Superstar stature solidified
A career-defining series for Stokes, Ashes 2019 carried the true essence of Test cricket. Two tons, two half-centuries, and eight wickets were ‘some’ of the exploits in the series from Stokes that made him the ICC Player of the Year for 2019.
A series leveling performance from Ben Stokes not only gave the best batting performance of that year at Leeds, but it was also one of the best batting performances in the history of Test Cricket. He contributed 15.26% runs of the total runs made by the English team throughout the series, a small glimpse into why he was the player of the series for England.
Ben Stokes vs the Famed Aussie bowling attack
Australia’s Ashes success can be credited to their bowlers, and then the question arises – how has Stokes fared against the Australian bowling line-up’s four horsemen? The answer will be – not bad at all!
His oldest foe and the most successful bowler against him in the Ashes has been Nathon Lyon, dismissing him six times over the years. The battle between them after the recent Ashes series can be said as balanced, considering the number of runs Stokes scored against Lyon in the 2019 series (155 runs).
The most Stokes has struggled to score runs against (from the current lot of bowlers) has been Mitchell Starc. Stokes has a meager average of 14.7 against Starc and has been deceived thrice by the left-arm pacer.
The least successful from the lot against Stokes is Josh Hazlewood. While against Cummins, Stokes has gifted his wicket twice, Hazlewood had to struggle to get his wicket. He averages 51.5 and 96 against Cummins and Hazlewood, respectively.
Considering Starc and Lyon’s recent decline in form, Stokes will be looking forward to getting one up against these two.
Ben Stokes as a bowler in the Ashes
Stokes has also played a crucial role with the ball along with the bat. With a total of 22 wickets at an average of 35.94 (as opposed to his career average of 31.38), Stokes has made his case as a solid fifth bowling option, and at times as a fourth bowling option as well.
While it might seem that he has been slightly expensive in Ashes -economy of 3.85 as compared to his overall economy of 3.30 – he has taken wickets at a better strike rate in Ashes. Also, two of his four fifers have come in Ashes, which is a testament to his all-rounder capabilities.
Expectations from Stokes going into Ashes 2021
With the return of Ben Stokes, English captain and English fans all over the world will be slightly relieved, as they now have an answer for their fragile lower middle-order. The break definitely must have refreshed Stokes, and it was visible in the first warm-up match where he scored an unbeaten 42 runs off just 56 balls.
Even with such a long absence, Stokes is fourth in the ICC’s all-rounders’ ranking for Test Cricket. But more than anyone else, Australians very well know what Stokes means to this series, and after their last encounter, it’s already stitched in their brains and hearts.
Also, there are whispers that the English team is underprepared and have had very few opportunities to decide on the playing XI, the traditional banter has already begun. While this may be true for most parts, the same can be applied to the Australian team as well. The recently crowned T20 World Champions, too, have their share of worries in the form of Mitchell Starc. Yet, amidst all the noise, everyone is eagerly waiting for this electrifying contest to begin!