“Last 12 Months Have Been the Best”: Ben Stokes

England all-rounder, as well as, World Cup hero Ben Stokes has been going through a purple patch in his career. Recently, he won the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Player of the Year 2019 for his stunning performance in last 12 months.

Stokes played a brilliant knock of unbeaten 84 in the final of the ICC World Cup against New Zealand and helped England win the title at Lord’s. During the voting period, he played 20 ODIs where he scored 719 runs along with 12 wickets.

But, he was more successful in the longer format of the game. The all-rounder amassed 821 runs and took 22 wickets in 11 Tests he played during that period. Even this also included his unbeaten 135 that helped England win a nail-biting Ashes thriller in Leeds.

Ben Stokes on his performance

“The last 12 months have been the best in my career, and I believe what we attained will be the catalyst to achieve further success over the next few years,” Ben Stokes said. “It is quite flattering to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. The past 12 months have been incredible for England cricket and to lift the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup for the first time was our greatest achievement.”

However, he also added that this award is testament to all his teammates and the support staff who have been there with him throughout his journey. He also believed that without their support he would never achieve this feat.

The 28-year-old left-handed batsman then spoke about the team’s environment as well. He shared that the bond is beautiful among the teammates. They celebrate together – be it winning the ICC World Cup Final at Lord’s last year in July or win a Test match against Australia at Headingley. Stokes even shared that it was satisfying for him to accomplish these superb highs together.