Ben Stokes - Mr Incredible

 by Sam Kalra

Ben Stokes or ‘Mr Incredible’ (as referred to by his teammates), is undoubtedly one of the finest cricketers of his generation. The decorated all-rounder has had a truly ‘incredible’ life - in all senses of the word.

The current England captain grew up in Cockermouth, Cumbria, quickly making a name for himself in youth cricket and after progressing into the Durham county set up, he made his first team debut at just 17 years old. Shortly after playing his first game for England in august 2011, Stokes was named Professional Cricketers’ Association Young player of the year. 

Despite his eye-catching talent, Stokes’ real media fame started in 2016 during the t20 world cup final. After a nail-biting chase from West Indies, Ben Stokes was given the task of defending 19 off the final over; the odds were heavily stacked in his favour. Stokes to bowl. Carlos Brathwaite to face. Bang. 6 runs. Stokes runs in. 6 more… 6 again… 4 sixes. The West Indies were crowned t20 World Cup champions.

Living with the failure of such a big tournament on his shoulders, Stokes faced criticism from the media and the cricketing world. Following his involvement in a violent incident outside a nightclub in Bristol, Stokes was arrested and once again, the media were scrutinising him. 

Two major setbacks would not deter Ben from impressing on the big stage and in 2019 he had one of the best calendar years of any cricketer. It started with the 50 over World Cup, which was held across England. In conjunction with some economical bowling figures and a catch so extraordinary that even Nasser Hussain was left speechless, the all-rounder scored a total of 473 runs across the tournament. The World Cup final did not disappoint and, of course, Captain Ben Stokes was in the driving seat, leading his team to victory with an epic run chase and super over. Later that summer, during the third test in the ashes at Headingley, Mr Incredible delivered yet again. Stokes scored 135 not out to chase down Australia's huge total, breaking records along the way - and he did this with just one wicket left. Stokes’ 2019 was rounded off as he was awarded the sports personality of the year award.

After openly talking about his depression and anxiety, and having to take some time away from the pressures of the sport, Stokes has proven that you can speak up and be honest about your mental health without people thinking less of you. Following his break from cricket, Ben Stokes has been named England test captain and has implemented a unique, exciting to watch, explosive style of play. Bazball.

It is fair to say that Ben Stokes has had a roller coaster of a career, and with still plenty more years to come from this generational talent, who knows what extraordinary feats we will have the pleasure of witnessing next.