Ben Stokes has unseated Virat Kohli as Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world, ending the India captain’s three-year reign.
The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack 2020, published on Thursday, crowns Stokes the first Englishman to receive the prestigious honour since Andrew Flintoff in 2005.
Stokes had a summer to remember, which the 28-year-old all-rounder inspired his team to an unforgettable triumph in the World Cup before producing one of the greatest innings of all time to win the Ashes Test at Headingley.
It is not the first time Stokes has been recognised with an award – he was given the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for ICC men’s player of the year – but acclaim from the famous ‘yellow book’ has always held a special place in cricketing culture. Along with being named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in December.
Widen Editor Lawrence Booth said: “Ben Stokes pulled off the performance of a lifetime – twice in the space of a few weeks. First, with a mixture of outrageous talent and good fortune, he rescued England’s run-chase in the World Cup final, before helping to hit 15 off the super over.
“Then, in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, he produced one of the great innings, smashing an unbeaten 135 to pinch a one-wicket win. Against red ball or white, he was a force of nature.”