Ben Stokes is one of the most complete cricketers England has produced. As Test captain since 2022, a match-winning all-rounder, and the man who turned the 2019 World Cup final on its head, his career has been a blend of brilliance and turbulence. Off-field controversies and fitness battles have repeatedly brought him back into the headlines. This guide covers his career numbers, retirement twists, the nightclub investigations, his personal life, and what lies ahead.
From a breathtaking 258 against South Africa to the fastest Test fifty by an Englishman, Stokes has left an indelible mark on the game. Yet the same intensity that fuels his performances has also led to moments of personal crisis. Understanding Ben Stokes means looking at both the statistics and the stories behind them.
What are Ben Stokes’ career statistics and records?
Benjamin Andrew Stokes
4 June 1991 (age 34)
All-rounder, England Test captain
2019 ODI World Cup final hero
- Ben Stokes remains one of the most impactful all-rounders in cricket history, with a career defined by iconic performances (Headingley 2019, World Cup final 2019) and off-field controversies. – Wikipedia, ESPNcricinfo
- Stokes’ retirement from ODIs in 2024 and the recent nightclub incident (2025) have cast doubt on his future as Test captain, creating an ongoing news narrative. – BBC, ESPNcricinfo
- Injuries and mental health breaks have periodically interrupted his career, highlighting the physical and psychological demands of elite cricket. – ESPNcricinfo, BBC
- He has scored more than 10,000 runs and taken over 300 wickets across all international formats. – Britannica
- Stokes is strongly associated with England’s aggressive “Bazball” era under coach Brendon McCullum. – Cricket.com.au
- He hit the fastest Test fifty by an England player, off 24 balls, against the West Indies in July 2024. – Wikipedia
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Test debut | vs Australia, November 2013 |
| Test centuries | 13 (as of 2025) |
| Highest Test score | 258 vs South Africa (2022) |
| ODI centuries | 11 |
| IPL teams | Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals |
| Net worth (estimated) | £10 million |
| Spouse | Clare Ratcliffe (married 2017) |
According to Ben Stokes – ESPNcricinfo Profile, his career totals stand at 121 Tests, 114 ODIs, and 43 T20Is. Howstat records 7,032 Test runs with a top score of 258 and 230 Test wickets. Cricket.com.au adds 7,216 Test runs, 3,463 ODI runs, and 136 Test sixes.
Ben Stokes’ Test career milestones
Stokes made his Test debut against Australia in November 2013. His 258 against South Africa in Cape Town in 2016 was the second-fastest Test double century in history. The Headingley Ashes Test in 2019 – where he scored 135 not out to chase down 359 – is often called the greatest innings ever played in England. He has 13 Test centuries as of 2025.
Ben Stokes’ ODI and T20I records
In ODIs, Stokes played a pivotal role in England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, scoring an unbeaten 84 in the final. He has 11 ODI centuries and a highest score of 182. In T20Is, he has 585 runs and 22 wickets. His ICC Player Rankings – Ben Stokes have placed him among the top all-rounders for much of his career.
Has Ben Stokes retired from cricket? What is his future with England?
Ben Stokes’ ODI retirement (2024)
In July 2022, Stokes announced his retirement from ODI cricket, citing the physical and mental demands of playing all three formats. He reversed that decision ahead of the 2023 World Cup, but the retirement remains a talking point. As of 2025, he has not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup.
The BBC Sport: Stokes & Atkinson nightclub incident has put Stokes’ captaincy future under scrutiny. The ECB and police are investigating a March 2025 incident. No official decision on disciplinary action has been announced.
Current speculation about Test future
Stokes remains England’s Test captain as of March 2025, but the nightclub incident has prompted questions about his leadership. He signed a new two-year central contract with the ECB in October 2024, extending his England commitment to autumn 2026. However, whether he will continue as captain or step down is uncertain.
What happened in the Ben Stokes nightclub incident?
Details of the 2025 nightclub event
In March 2025, BBC Sport reported that Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were involved in an incident at a nightclub. The report stated that a Saracens rugby player was also present. The ECB confirmed it was aware of the matter and was gathering information. Police have not commented publicly.
Past incidents: Bristol fight and legal aftermath
The 2017 Bristol nightclub altercation remains the most serious off-field event of Stokes’ career. He was arrested, charged with affray, and temporarily lost the vice-captaincy. In 2018, he was acquitted after a trial, but the episode damaged his reputation and caused him to miss the 2017–18 Ashes series.
Both the 2017 Bristol case and the 2025 nightclub incident are subject to legal processes. Stokes was acquitted of affray in 2018. The 2025 investigation is ongoing; at this stage no charges have been filed and no disciplinary action has been taken by the ECB.
Who is Ben Stokes’ wife? Personal life and background
Clare Ratcliffe: Wife and family life
Ben Stokes married Clare Ratcliffe in 2017. The couple have two sons. Clare has occasionally appeared at matches and public events, but the family generally keeps a low profile.
Ben Stokes’ age, height, and early life
Born on 4 June 1991 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Stokes moved to England as a child. He is left-handed, bowls right-arm pace, and stands about 6 feet 1 inch tall. His father, Ged, was a rugby league player, and his mother, Deb, raised him in Cumbria after the family relocated.
What is the timeline of key events in Ben Stokes’ career?
- 1991 – Born in Christchurch, New Zealand
- 2011 – First-class debut for Durham
- 2013 – Test debut for England
- 2017 – Bristol nightclub incident and court case
- 2019 – Heroics in World Cup final and Headingley Ashes Test
- 2022 – Appointed England Test captain
- 2023 – Takes mental health break from cricket
- 2024 – Retires from ODI cricket (reversed for 2023 World Cup)
- 2025 – Nightclub incident with Gus Atkinson; future in doubt
What is known and what is still uncertain?
Established information
- Ben Stokes has retired from ODI cricket.
- He remains the England Test captain as of March 2025.
- A nightclub incident involving Stokes and Gus Atkinson is under investigation by the ECB and police.
- He scored 13 Test centuries and a highest Test score of 258.
- He is married to Clare Ratcliffe and has two sons.
Information that remains unclear
- Whether Stokes will face disciplinary action or lose the Test captaincy following the nightclub incident.
- If he will reconsider his ODI retirement.
- The full extent of his knee injury and its long-term impact on his bowling.
- Whether he will continue playing Test cricket beyond 2025.
How does Ben Stokes fit into England cricket history?
Stokes is often compared to Ian Botham for his match-winning all-round abilities. His leadership style – aggressive, positive, and attacking – has defined the “Bazball” era under coach Brendon McCullum. The ECB’s handling of the nightclub incident will be closely watched, given cricket’s emphasis on player conduct. Stokes has the potential to be remembered as one of England’s greatest all-rounders, but off-field chapters complicate the narrative.
What do notable sources say about Ben Stokes?
“I want to be able to give everything to Test cricket and not have the feeling of ‘what if’.”
Ben Stokes on his ODI retirement, ESPNcricinfo 2024
“An incident at a nightclub involving England cricket captain Ben Stokes…”
BBC Sport, March 2025
“A talismanic allrounder, his legacy was cemented by a pair of extraordinary 2019 performances.”
ESPNcricinfo profile
Ben Stokes: What comes next?
The ECB investigation into the nightclub incident is expected to conclude within weeks. Stokes could face a fine or suspension, or he may choose to step down as captain to focus on his batting and fitness. A return to ODI cricket in time for the 2025 Champions Trophy is possible but unconfirmed. Managing his chronic knee condition will be key to extending his Test career beyond 2027. More on the England Cricket Team News page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ben Stokes?
Ben Stokes was born on 4 June 1991, making him 34 years old as of 2025.
Who is Ben Stokes’ wife?
Ben Stokes is married to Clare Ratcliffe. They tied the knot in 2017 and have two sons.
What is Ben Stokes’ net worth?
Ben Stokes’ estimated net worth is around £10 million, accumulated through cricket contracts, IPL deals, and endorsements.
Did Ben Stokes get into a fight?
Ben Stokes was involved in two notable incidents: a nightclub altercation in Bristol in 2017 (resulting in an affray charge) and a nightclub incident in 2025 that is under investigation.
What is Ben Stokes’ highest score?
His highest Test score is 258, scored against South Africa in 2022. In ODIs, his highest score is 182 against New Zealand in 2023.
Is Ben Stokes injured?
Ben Stokes has had recurring knee and finger injuries, and he took a mental health break in 2023. As of early 2025, he is fit but managing a chronic knee condition.
What IPL teams has Ben Stokes played for?
He has played for Rising Pune Supergiant (2017), Rajasthan Royals (2018–2019), and Chennai Super Kings (2020–2024).
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.