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Evolution Of Ben Stokes From Bazball Prophet To Its Biggest Obstacle After Scratchy 52-Ball 20

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Ben Stokes [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/x.com]Ben Stokes [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/x.com]

English Captain, Ben Stokes scored a laborious 20 runs off 52 deliveries against India in the ongoing Test at Headingley. Did the presence of the hyped all-rounder at the crease indicate a growing concern about the free-flowing style of English cricket nowadays, a.k.a BazBall? For a philosophy built on aggressive intent and fearless cricket, Stokes's strike rate of 38.46 looks like a piece out of the puzzle. 

The man who helped build the revolutionary English approach towards the purest format has become the most cautious practitioner. While his leadership qualities have still not come under the scanner, his batting in this particular innings does raise questions about whether the captain himself is practising what he preaches.  

Statistical Reailty for Ben Stoks Since Ashes 2023

Since his counter-attacking 80 against Australia at Leeds during the 2023 Ashes, the English captain has looked like a moderate batter and not adequately suited to the Bazball philosophy. Stokes's strike rate of 63.88 falls significantly short of England's free-flowing batting style. The English batting's average strike rate at home under Stokes-McCullum has been nearly 73.90, so the difference is clear.

Strike Rate Distribution Analysis During The Period

  • Below 50 SR (Poor intent): 14 innings (50.0%)
  • 50-75 SR (Moderate): 8 innings (28.6%)
  • Above 75 SR (True Bazball): 6 innings (21.4%)

The numbers reveal a captain struggling to keep the positive intent of the rest of the team. Half of Stokes' innings since the 2023 Ashes have come at a strike rate of below 50, exactly opposite of what Bazball promotes and advocates.

Concerning Pattern of Defensive Play For Stokes

Stokes has recorded 12 innings with strike rates below 40, which includes defensive displays such as 6 off 33 deliveries (SR - 18.18) against India and 2 off 15 (SR - 13.33) against New Zealand. His batting average of 29.08 during this period not only lacks aggressive displays but also the consistency expected of a star player in the middle order.

Conclusion

Ben Stokes has evolved from the Prophet of Bazball to its primary obstacle. While his teammates, such as Poper, Brook, and Jamie Smith, embody an aggressive intent, Stokes' initial approach to trying to settle down weighs the team down. While the Bazball demands positive, impactful intent, the English skipper is currently delivering cautious mediocrity.