In recent years, Ben Stokes has emerged as one of the best cricketers around. The fierce English allrounder has added another feather to his cap as he is named Wisden’s leading cricketer of the year 2019.
Stokes had a tough 2018 where his most of the time was embarked with controversies. However, he redeemed himself perfectly in 2019 by helping his nation in winning their first-ever World Cup. Stokes performed well in all 3 formats of the game.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli made Wisden’s cricketer of the year award his territory as he was winning the award from the last 3 years. Kohli won the award in 2016, 2017, and 2018. However, Stokes managed to dethrone Kohli on the back of a fantastic 2019.
Ben Stokes scored 465 runs and bagged 7 wickets in the ICC World Cup 2019. He also played a crucial knock of 85 runs to tie the final against the Blackcaps. Stokes also made his presence felt in the Ashes as the Southpaw played a blinder at Headingley. He played one of the greatest test knocks of all time of 135 runs to win the match single-handedly and kept England alive in the Ashes.
Ben Stokes becomes the first English cricketer to win Wisden’s cricketer of the year award since 2005. Andrew Flintoff was the last English player to win this prestigious award in 2005.
Wisden also revealed the top 5 players list on occasion. The pace bowler from England – Jofra Archer, also found a place in the list on the back of a great World Cup campaign. Australian pace bowler Pat Cummins and batsman Marnus Labuschagne also found a place in the list owing to a strong showing in the Ashes. Simon Harmer – South African spinner, who helped Essex club in winning the first-class county and T20 championship has also found a place among the top 5. Australian women all-rounder, Ellyse Perry also made her place among the top 5 in the Wisden’s list.