When was the last time Ben Stokes opened the innings in T20s? PC- AFP
Ben Stokes recently bid adios to international cricket, signed a historic deal with the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL 2025/26).
Returning to Australian shores for BBL, the former England captain last played the lucrative league over a decade ago, during the 2014/15 season.
After his signing was confirmed, the Strikers’ head coach, Tim Paine, revealed Stokes’ role at Adelaide, stating, "I think he's made to open the batting in the Big Bash," as reported by 7News.
The Strikers’ boss almost made certain that the Englishman would open the innings in the upcoming season. Thus, in this article, we will analyse how Ben Stokes has performed as a T20 opener.
How has Ben Stokes performed as opener in T20s?
Ben Stokes, who had an illustrious time as an England cricketer, played just 43 T20Is. However, he played a pivotal role during their triumph in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, scoring a legendary 52 in the final vs Pakistan. Nevertheless, he has never opened the innings in international cricket.
That said, he has opened the batting in T20 cricket on several occasions. The all-rounder played as an opener 16 different times in his 163-match career, racking up 475 runs at 36.5 with a whopping strike rate of 138.5.
Meanwhile, Stokes’ overall average and strike rate subsequently drop to 24.41 and 132.87, respectively.
| Criterion | Data Points |
| Innings | 16 |
| Runs | 475 |
| Ave/ SR | 36.5/ 138.5 |
| Highest Score | 107* |
(Ben Stokes' stats as T20 opener)
| Criterion | Data Points |
| Innings | 148 |
| Runs | 3027 |
| Ave/ SR | 24.41/ 132.87 |
| Highest Score | 107* |
| 50s/ 100s | 10/ 2 |
(Ben Stokes' stats in T20 cricket)
How has Ben Stokes fared in BBL?
Around ten years back, Ben Stokes last played in the BBL, which was also his maiden stint in the lucrative Aussie league.
Back then, he featured for the Melbourne Renegades, playing four matches in the season, racking up 128 runs at 156.09, with a best score of 77. Meanwhile, he also scalped three wickets that season.
However, despite an impressive run with the Renegades, he never featured in the BBL due to his commitments to his national team.
Moreover, the star all-rounder played a couple of IPL seasons for Rising Pune Supergiants, CSK, and RR; after that, he remained devoted to his national duties.
With the conclusion of his international career, he has once again opened himself up to franchise cricket, beginning with the BBL.
However, it remains to be seen if the former England captain to participate in the upcoming season, as he withdrew from the IPL 2025 mega-auction, which technically makes him eligible only from the 2028 season onwards.
Ben Stokes' mission set for Durham after international retirement
After a surprising international retirement, Ben Stokes has shifted his focus to give it back to his county, Durham, for whom he is currently playing domestic cricket.
Ahead of the summer, the prolific cricketer returned to his base to feature in the One-Day Cup. His presence revived the campaign as Durham reached the semi-final, but lost to Middlesex by two runs.
Currently, he is playing in the County Championship Division 2 to help his county return to Division 1.
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