England captain Ben Stokes is named ICC Test Cricketer of the Year for 2022… after transforming his side’s fortunes with his ultra-positive approach, leading them to nine wins in 10 matches
- Ben Stokes has received the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award for 2022
- During his time as captain, England have won nine of their 10 Test matches
- They changed their style of play, and their ultra-positive approach has paid off
England captain Ben Stokes has been named the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year for 2022 after transforming his side’s fortunes in the longest format of the game.
Stokes replaced Joe Root as skipper in April after a dismal Ashes down under, followed by a series defeat in the West Indies.
The 31-year-old led from the front, and had an exceptional year from an individual perspective, hitting two hundreds and four 50s with the bat, while also taking 26 wickets at an average of 31.19 with the ball.
Ben Stokes has been named the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year for 2022
Stokes had an excellent year with the bat, hitting two hundreds and four 50s
Yet it was his captaincy that truly made him stand out. There were initial fears that Stokes could be taking on too much given that he is also the team’s premier all-rounder, but he quickly put those concerns to bed.
Working with new head coach Brendon McCullum, Stokes set about playing an aggressive brand of cricket, and it paid off as England won nine of their 10 matches with him in charge. This included series wins against New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan, while also winning a one-off Test against India to complete the delayed 2021 series.
The triumph against Pakistan was particularly special, as England completed a 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan for the first time in their history.
Stokes’s captaincy was lauded after the first Test when he made a bold declaration to keep Pakistan in the game.
Stokes has proven to be a natural leader, helping England to nine wins in their last 10 games
England ended up winning the match with around 10 minutes left in the final day’s play, vindicating Stokes’s brave decision.
Under Stokes’s watch, England achieved a number of records throughout the year, including completing their highest ever run chase when they made 378 against India at Edgbaston in July.
They also scored a remarkable 506 runs in a day in the opening Test against Pakistan, a total that is unlikely to be beaten any time soon.
Stokes’s accolade comes just days after he was named in the Test Team of the Year alongside team-mates Jonny Bairstow and James Anderson.
He will be leading England into action again next month when England play a two-match series in New Zealand, before setting their sights on this summer’s Ashes.
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