Ben Stokes has been added to his list of accolades following a brilliant 2019 by being named as Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world.
The England all-rounder enjoyed an unforgettable year, playing an instrumental role in his side’s maiden ODI World Cup win in July with an unbeaten knock of 84 in the summit clash against New Zealand at Lord’s and then eight more runs in a thrilling Super Over.
Just six weeks later, Stokes then produced arguably England’s greatest-ever Test innings as his remarkable 135 not out secured victory over Australia at Headingley and kept the 2019 Ashes series alive.
The southpaw was then named both BBC Sports Personality of the Year and received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List before claiming ICC Men’s Player of the Year honours.
Now named as Wisden Cricketer of the Year, Stokes has ended the three-year reign of India captain Virat Kohli, who had picked up the award for 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Meanwhile, Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry was named as the leading woman player in the world while she also found a place as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year.
England pace bowler Jofra Archer, Australians Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne and Essex off-spinner Simon Harmer were the others.
Perry scored the highest runs and took the most wickets as Australia successfully retained their Women’s Ashes title against England last year.
