Ben Stokes set to extend England contract till Ashes 2025-26
England cricket star Ben Stokes is expected to sign a two-year central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This development comes as the ECB introduces multi-year contracts for its players. The new agreement will secure Stokes's place in the team for the 2025/26 Ashes series in Australia, according to The Guardian. Here are further details.
Stokes's previous contract and upcoming commitments
In contrast to his peers, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Ollie Pope, and Mark Wood who signed multi-year deals, Stokes had previously agreed to a one-year contract in October 2023. The ECB aims to finalize these central contracts before the team leaves for Pakistan in October for a three-Test series. Stokes is anticipated to be fit and ready to lead after recovering from a severe hamstring injury he suffered while playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred 2024.
McCullum's influence on Stokes's contract extension
The Guardian reports that Stokes' choice to sign a longer-term contract was swayed by Brendon McCullum's extension as England's white-ball head coach until 2027. McCullum is set to resume control from interim coach Marcus Trescothick before England's tour to India. McCullum's tenure will span over two Ashes series, the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Stokes and McCullum's successful partnership
Stokes has expressed a desire to maintain close ties with McCullum, under whose guidance England has secured 19 Test match victories in 29 games. This successful run followed a period of poor performance for the English team, which had managed just one win in 17 matches before their partnership. The Guardian suggested the ECB might extend the vice-captain's contract.
Stokes' batting numbers for England in Tests, ODIs and T20Is
In Tests, Stokes has amassed 6,508 runs in 105 matches at an average of 35.75, including 13 hundreds and 34 fifties. The all-rounder has racked up 3,463 runs in 114 matches at an average of 41.22 in ODIs. He has also managed five hundreds and 24 fifties. In T20Is, Stokes has featured in 43 matches scoring 585 runs at a strike rate of 128. He owns one fifty and his highest score in T20Is is 52*.
Stokes' bowling numbers for England in Tests, ODIs and T20Is
In 105 Tests, Stokes has 203 scalps at an average of 32.04. He owns four five-wicket hauls and his best bowling performance (innings) is 6/22. He has 114 ODI caps and has recorded 74 wickets at an average of 42.39, owning one four-wicket and five-wicket haul each. His best performance is 5/61. The English all-rounder has 26 wickets to his name in 43 T20Is, with an economy rate of 8.39. His best bowling performance is 3/26.
Stokes to lead England in Pakistan
England's 17-member squad was announced recently for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in October. The team will be led by Stokes, who missed the Sri Lanka series at home due to an injury. Full squad: Ben Stokes, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
