Five Fascinating Facts About Cricketer Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes is a name that needs no introduction in the world of cricket. His awe-inspiring performances have made him a stalwart of the England cricket team, and his story is one of determination, resilience, and passion. While his cricketing achievements are well-known, there are some aspects of his life and career that are less familiar. Here are five lesser-known facts about Ben Stokes.

A Kiwi by Birth

Though he's known for his heroics in an England jersey, Stokes was actually born in Christchurch, New Zealand, on June 4, 1991. He moved to England at the age of 12 when his father, Gerard Stokes, a former New Zealand rugby league player, took up a coaching job in the UK. Despite his Kiwi roots, Stokes chose to represent England, the country where he honed his cricketing skills.

Sporting Genes

The sporting talent in Stokes' blood is not limited to cricket. His parents were both accomplished athletes. His father, Gerard Stokes, was a renowned rugby player and coach. His mother, Deborah Stokes, was a cricketer who played in the domestic cricket league in New Zealand. Ben's brother, James Stokes, has also made a name for himself in rugby, playing for the Workington Town Rugby League Club.

Youngest England Player to Achieve a Test Double

In 2015, Stokes became the youngest player ever to score a century for England in the morning session of a test match. But that's not all. In the same year, during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town, Stokes scored 258 runs from 198 balls, the fastest double century in England's history, and the second-fastest in the world. He was also the youngest England cricketer to achieve this feat.

A Brush with the Law