Wisden Honours: Ben Stokes named Leading Cricketer in the World in 2019
England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been named Wisden’s ‘Leading Cricketer in the World in 2019′ for his outstanding performances in the 2019 World Cup final and The Ashes. Stokes is only the second Englishman to receive this honour from Wisden after Andrew Flintoff, who won it 17 years ago.
It was a dream summer for New Zealand-born Stokes, who first starred in England’s maiden World Cup victory at the Mecca of Cricket against New Zealand on July 14. Stokes’ unbeaten 84 in the finale set the tone in what looked like a see-saw encounter right till the end.
1 – @benstokes38 is the only man to record 1,000+ runs and claim 25+ wickets across all international formats over the last 12 months (1,571 and 31 respectively). Leading. #wisdenhonours pic.twitter.com/QyWR2DtOP0
— OptaJim (@OptaJim) April 8, 2020
Stokes then extended his purple patch in The Ashes that followed. England went into the third Test at Headingley trailing 1-0 to Australia and desperately needed a win to keep the series alive. Just when Australia looked set to wrap the match, Stokes produced one of his greatest Test innings of all time. A swashbuckling 135* in the second innings to help England chase a mountain of 359. His epic knock also included a famous partnership with tail-ender Jack Leach, who probably scored the most important one run of his life off 17 balls.
Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year
The Wisden Five Cricketers of the Year, as chosen by the @WisdenAlmanack ?@EllysePerry@JofraArcher @patcummins30
Simon Harmer
Marnus Labuschagne pic.twitter.com/6IHMuUiXsw— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 8, 2020
The Wisden Almanack of 2020 also chose Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year that feature fast bowler Jofra Archer as the sole World Cup winner from 2019. This prestigious award that dates back to 1889 can be won just once in a cricketer’s playing career. Archer, who had a scintillating start to his international cricket, features alongside another impressive entrant, Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne.
Dual honours for Perry
Ellyse Perry, the quintessential superstar in the Australian Women’s team is the only woman cricketer to make it to the list. Perry has also been named the ‘Leading Woman Cricketer in the World in 2019’ after a successful calendar year. Another recipient, pacer Pat Cummins was instrumental in Australia retaining The Ashes after a gap of 18 years on English soil. The list also features South African cricketer Simon Harmer, who led Essex to their second Championship title in three years.
