Ben Stokes named as ICC Men’s Test player of the year

English cricket were in a desperate need for identity when skipper Ben Stokes and coach, Brendon McCullum took charge of the red-ball setup. Over the last year, not only is the identity – BazBall – loud and clear, it is also quickly becoming the most-sought after template in the longest format of the game. 

After being named as the captain of the ICC Test XI of the year, Ben Stokes has now been named as the Winner of the ICC Men’s Test cricketer of the year. Both with the bat and the ball, Stokes has set high bench-mark for the Three Lions, with 870 runs and 26 wickets, averaging at 36.25 and 31.19 respectively. 

Leading from the front 🌟

England's inspirational captain is the recipient of the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year 2022 Award 🏅#ICCAwards

— ICC (@ICC) January 26, 2023

"Test cricket has been spoken about in a way I don't like. It is losing the attention of the fans with all the new formats and franchise competitions. We understand there are so many opportunities for players away from Test cricket. But for me it is so important for the game,” Stokes had said last year in a chat with Ian Botham. 

“I love playing Test cricket and felt we could do something different. Taking the result away from the mindset is a great starting point. Putting focus on making every day entertaining. Not allowing people to know what is going to happen. If people turn up excited about what they are going to watch you've already won before a ball has been bowled," Stokes said.

With nine wins from ten Tests, Stokes’ Three Lions are made of a different gravy, and it is only fitting that the left-hander has bagged this prestigious award in the longest format of the game.