Ben Stokes: The redemption that revolutionized English cricket

How often have you seen someone retiring as a legend at 31? Not many times, I’m sure. Well, the person in contention is quite a synonym to controversies, be it on or off the field, and with him, you never know when he can pull a heist. 

Everytime he has been on the field, even the best of opponents started to look weak. And, you already know it’s Ben Stokes, or rather I say ‘Sir Benjamin Andrew Stokes OBE’.

It was tense in 2019, quite tense, to be honest. England were 15 away from the World Cup title, and Boult had the ball in his hand. Of course, many won’t fancy that. But there was Stokes at the other end, with a spark in his eyes. Looking to get over his intimidating past in a World Cup Final over.

He knew he could. In fact, everyone knew he could, but how?

Luckily, the luck decided to stay with him and England that day, unlike in 2016. A catch by Trent Boult after which he stepped on the boundary line, a deflected overthrow off his bat, giving away 6 runs and, of course, to his credit, the nerves of steel.

To stand up against the Kiwi bowling line-up that day was commendable and what was even more exemplary was his attitude. 

The last ball required two runs to clinch the title, Stokes dug it out to long on and came back, but his partner at the other end, Mark Wood, was short of his crease. 

Match Tied. Super Over. 

Grit, determination, and passion defines Benjamin Stokes

Despite heaving a sigh of relief that at least his side was safe till that moment, Stokes took out his disgruntlement and threw his bat in disbelief that he couldn’t win it.

Out of the 10 times, you would say, 9 of the players in that situation would have taken that moment happily. 

But there was Stokes, he was stubborn. He wanted it, desperately.

World Cup Finals don’t come that often in one’s career, that is why Ben was sure. 

He believed. And that is why England believed.

The Super over proved, why. 

Stokes’ redemption couldn’t have come at a better time. England triumphed by the “Barest of all margins”. 

There is a thing about Stokes that when he goes. He goes. And he is unstoppable after that.

Stats that back his greatness in ODIs

There are stats to prove it, he is the third highest run-scoring all-rounder for England in the ODI format who has taken 50 wickets and scored 2000 runs, just after Paul Collingwood and Andrew Flintoff. 

And, of course, the highest run scorer for England in a World Cup Final with 84 runs. 

Just 81 shy of 3000 ODI runs, Ben Stokes will look to get past this record in his final One-Day against South Africa at Chester-le-street.

There is a reason you deem him as a legend, already. It is not for his stats, but his standpoint.

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