Stokes nominated for ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the Men's Test Cricketer of the Year (2022) nominees.
England all-rounder Ben Stokes finds himself on the list after an incredible run both as a player and captain.
The 31-year-old is joined by teammate Jonny Bairstow, Aussie opener Usman Khawaja, and South African speedster Kagiso Rabada.
Let us take a look at their stats.
Stokes
Stokes shines with added responsibilities
Stokes took over as England's Test captain when they were languishing at the bottom in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.
Under his leadership, England have won nine out of 10 matches.
The tally includes emphatic 3-0 wins over New Zealand and Pakistan.
Stokes also compiled 870 runs in 15 matches (100s: 2, 50s: 4). The right-armer pacer also picked 26 wickets at 31.19.
Khawaja
Khawaja has been a menace since his return
Having last played in the whites in August 2019, Khawaja made a surprise comeback in Australia's Test team in January.
The southpaw justified the decision straightaway, smashing twin centuries in his comeback game versus England.
He even slammed a hundred as Australia clinched a historic 1-0 series win in Pakistan.
Khawaja smacked 1,080 runs in 11 Tests at 67.50 (100s: 4, 50s: 5).
Rabada
Rabada ran riot in 2022
Rabada shone throughout the year, forcing inroads if and when needed.
The right-arm seamer was pivotal in South Africa's memorable wins over India, New Zealand, and England.
He ended up bagging 47 wickets in nine matches, averaging 22.25. He also enjoyed a strike rate of 34.10 (5WI: 2).
Rabada recently picked two four-fers at the Gabba Test, which SA lost by six wickets.
Bairstow
Bairstow proves to be a handful
Bairstow reaped rewards from the fearless approach imposed by coach Brendon McCullum.
The right-hander started the year with back-to-back tons against Australia and West Indies.
He then underwent a poor run of form before flourishing under the Kiwi legend.
Bairstow slammed four tons, including a rip-roaring 162 at Headingley.
All in all, Bairstow amassed 1,061 runs in 10 matches while averaging 66.31 (SR: 76.00).