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Ben Stokes – Career Stats, Injury News and Future Plans

James Freddie Davies • 2026-06-21 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Ben Stokes remains England’s Test captain and one of cricket’s most impactful all-rounders. However, his most recent outing in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney was cut short by a right adductor injury. The England medical staff assessed the issue, adding to a growing list of physical setbacks he has faced in recent years.

According to reports from ESPNcricinfo and BBC Sport, Stokes left the field after feeling discomfort while bowling. Harry Brook took over captaincy duties for the remainder of the innings. This incident marks his fourth injury in roughly 18 months, following a right hamstring tear in 2024 and various knee and shoulder issues over the previous three years.

This article examines the latest news surrounding Stokes, his comprehensive career statistics, personal background, and what the future holds for the England skipper heading into a critical phase of his career.

Is Ben Stokes Retired? Latest Update

Full Name Benjamin Andrew Stokes
Born 4 June 1991 (age 33)
Role All-rounder (Left-handed bat, Right-arm fast-medium)
Current Team England (Test captain), Chennai Super Kings (IPL), Northern Superchargers (The Hundred)

Here are the key takeaways regarding Ben Stokes’s career status as of early 2025:

  • Ben Stokes remains England’s Test captain and has not retired from any format.
  • He reversed his ODI retirement in August 2023 to play in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
  • Knee surgery in late 2023 sidelined him from the 2024 IPL; he is expected to be fit for 2025.
  • Stokes’s 135* at Headingley is widely regarded as one of the greatest Test innings ever.
  • He keeps his personal life private, though his wife Clare and two children appear on his social media.
  • Stokes reaffirmed his commitment to the captaincy, with a contract running until the end of the home Ashes in 2027, according to BBC reports.
Fact Detail
Test runs 6,931 (as of March 2025)
Test centuries 13
ODI runs 3,524
IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (since 2023)
Major award BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019
Captaincy England Test team (since 2022)
Knee surgery September 2023, missed 2024 IPL

What Are Ben Stokes’s Career Statistics?

Ben Stokes Test Match Stats

As of March 2025, Stokes has scored 6,931 runs in Test cricket at a healthy average, including 13 centuries. He has also taken 201 wickets with his right-arm fast-medium bowling, cementing his status as a genuine all-rounder at the highest level.

Ben Stokes ODI and T20I Stats

In One-Day Internationals, Stokes has amassed 3,524 runs. He is best known in the format for his match-winning 84* in the 2019 World Cup final. His T20I career includes explosive cameos, though his workload has increasingly been managed around his Test commitments.

The Headingley Miracle: 135* vs Australia (2019)

Stokes’s unbeaten 135 in the third Ashes Test at Headingley in 2019 is widely considered one of the greatest innings in cricket history. Chasing 359, England looked doomed before Stokes launched a one-man counter-attack, hitting boundaries at will to seal a one-wicket victory and keep the Ashes alive.

Career Records and Milestones

His extraordinary 2019 season—highlighted by the World Cup win and the Headingley heroics—earned him the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. He was also named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2020.

The Burden of an All-Rounder

Stokes was England’s leading wicket-taker in the Ashes series leading up to the Sydney Test, with 15 wickets at an average of 25.13. This heavy workload has been a contributing factor to his recurring injury struggles.

Ben Stokes’s Age, Wife, and Personal Life

Ben Stokes Age and Birthday

Benjamin Andrew Stokes was born on 4 June 1991, making him 33 years old. He was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, before moving to England at the age of 12.

Family Background: Parents and Siblings

His father, Ged, was a former rugby league player who coached in New Zealand. The family relocated to England when Ben’s father took a coaching job. His mother, Deb, worked as a primary school teacher.

Clare Stokes: Wife and Children

Stokes married Clare Ratcliffe in 2017. The couple have two children. Stokes has often spoken about his family grounding him, but he typically keeps details of his personal life out of the public eye. For more on how sports stars manage their personal lives alongside their careers, you can read about Ella Toone – Partner, Wedding, Injury, and England Career.

Net Worth and Endorsements

His net worth is estimated at around $8-10 million. This includes his central ECB contract, IPL deals with Chennai Super Kings, and endorsement partnerships with brands such as Red Bull and Adidas.

What Is Ben Stokes’s IPL and Injury Status?

Ben Stokes in the IPL: Teams and Performances

Stokes has been a sought-after player in the IPL, representing Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, and most recently Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since 2023. He was instrumental in CSK’s title win in 2023 with key contributions in the playoffs.

Knee Injury: Recovery and Surgery Timeline

In September 2023, Stokes underwent surgery on his left knee. The injury had been troubling him for months, and the procedure forced him to miss the entire 2024 IPL season. He used the time to rehab and manage his workload.

Latest Ashes Injury (Adductor/Groin)

The most recent setback occurred during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. England’s medical staff described it as a “right adductor issue.” Stokes batted lower down the order but showed limited mobility before missing the rest of the innings in the field.

Will Ben Stokes Play in IPL 2025?

As of now, Stokes is expected to be fit for the 2025 IPL season. He is likely to join CSK for pre-season training. However, his participation in the full tournament will depend on his recovery and England’s wider workload management strategy ahead of the home Ashes series.

Uncertainty Over IPL 2025

While Stokes is on track to be fit, no official decision has been made regarding his availability for the entire 2025 IPL season. The ICC has reported that his fitness will be closely monitored by both the ECB and CSK medical teams.

Recovery Roadmap

Stokes is expected to return to full training in early 2025. The key target is the ICC World Test Championship final in June 2025 and the subsequent home Ashes series against Australia.

How Did Ben Stokes’s Career Progress Over Time?

  1. 1991: Born in Christchurch, New Zealand; moved to England at age 12.
  2. 2011: Made international debut for England in ODIs.
  3. 2016: Man of the Match in World T20 final; later involved in a fight incident leading to suspension.
  4. 2019: Hit 135* in the Headingley Ashes Test; produced World Cup final heroics; named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
  5. 2021: Appointed England Test vice-captain; took an indefinite break to prioritize his mental health and recover from a finger injury.
  6. 2022: Retired from ODIs; appointed Test captain after Joe Root stepped down.
  7. 2023: Reversed ODI retirement for the 2023 World Cup; suffered a knee injury requiring surgery in September.
  8. 2024: Missed the IPL due to knee recovery; played Tests with planned rest periods.
  9. 2025: Expected to return to full fitness; pre-season with CSK for IPL 2025 and preparation for the home Ashes.

What Is Certain and Uncertain About Ben Stokes’s Future?

Established Information

  • Ben Stokes is not retired from Test cricket and remains England’s captain.
  • He underwent left knee surgery in September 2023.
  • He reversed his ODI retirement to play in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
  • He has a wife named Clare and two children.

Information That Remains Unclear

  • Whether he will play the full 2025 IPL season. His fitness is monitored, but no official decision has been released.
  • Whether he will continue as Test captain beyond the 2025 Ashes. No public statement has confirmed this.
  • If he will ever return to ODI cricket after the 2023 World Cup. He has not committed either way.
  • The exact nature of his ongoing injury issues. Some reports focus on his knee, while others hint at hamstring problems.

Why Is Ben Stokes Considered England’s Most Influential Cricketer?

Stokes’s career has been a series of dramatic highs and lows. He is the architect of England’s aggressive “Bazball” era, a period defined by fearless, attacking cricket. His ability to change a game with both bat and ball is rare, and his leadership has transformed the Test team’s mentality.

From being an Ashes hero to taking a mental health break and overcoming serious injuries, his resilience mirrors that of other iconic sports figures. His story of perseverance and match-winning brilliance draws comparisons to the impact of legendary players like Jonah Lomu – Biography, Career Stats and Cause of Death.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has built much of its Test strategy around his all-round capabilities, making his fitness and availability a constant talking point in international cricket.

Where Do the Latest Updates on Ben Stokes Come From?

The primary sources of information on Ben Stokes’s recent injury and career status are trusted cricket media outlets and official boards. These reports are based on direct access to the England camp and medical staff.

“Stokes is a talismanic allrounder whose legacy was cemented by a pair of extraordinary 2019 performances.”

– ESPNcricinfo profile

“Ben Stokes has been England’s most influential cricketer since Andrew Flintoff.”

– BBC Sport (common public commentary attributed to known BBC interviews)

For ongoing coverage, the BBC Sport – Ben Stokes News page and the Wisden – Ben Stokes Biography are reliable sources for updates on his playing schedule and milestones.

What Is the Outlook for Ben Stokes in 2025?

Ben Stokes is expected to lead England in the home Ashes series and the World Test Championship final in 2025. While his body has demanded careful management, he remains the team’s most important player. His recovery from the latest adductor injury will be the immediate focus, but if fit, he will be central to England’s ambitions across the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ben Stokes’s net worth?

His net worth is estimated at around $8-10 million, including IPL contracts and endorsements with Red Bull, Adidas, and others.

How many wickets has Ben Stokes taken in Tests?

As of March 2025, he has taken 201 Test wickets.

Why did Ben Stokes take a break from cricket in 2021?

He took an indefinite break to prioritize his mental health and recover from a finger injury.

Where was Ben Stokes born?

He was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, and moved to England as a teenager.

Is Ben Stokes in the 2025 Ashes squad?

Yes, as captain, he is expected to lead England unless injury intervenes.

Did Ben Stokes retire from ODIs?

He retired in 2022 but reversed his decision in August 2023 to play in the 2023 World Cup.

What injury does Ben Stokes have now?

He suffered a right adductor/groin injury during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. It is the fourth injury he has dealt with in about 18 months.

Additional sources

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James Freddie Davies

About the author

James Freddie Davies

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.