Adelaide Strikers sign Ben Stokes for BBL 16
Stokes adds world-class experience to Strikers ahead of BBL 16
ADELAIDE: Former champions Adelaide Strikers have signed England all-rounder Ben Stokes for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 16 season.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of his generation, the 35-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable international career spanning more than 15 years, establishing himself as a proven match-winner with both bat and ball on the biggest stages.
Stokes has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations. His unbeaten 84 in England's dramatic 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand helped force a Super Over, with England eventually securing their maiden ODI World Cup title.
Just weeks later, Stokes produced another iconic performance in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, smashing an unbeaten 135 to guide England to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Australia and level the series.
Across his international career, Stokes has scored more than 11,000 runs, including career-best scores of 258 in Tests and 182 in ODIs, while registering 19 international centuries.
In the IPL, he has scored two T20 centuries, including an unbeaten 107 off 60 balls for Rajasthan Royals in 2020 and 103 off 63 deliveries for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017.
With the ball, Stokes has taken 352 international wickets, with his best figures of 6/22.
Stokes will be available for the entire BBL 16 campaign, providing a major boost to an Adelaide Strikers side eager to challenge for the title.
"I'm really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL 16," Stokes said.
"I've always enjoyed playing in Australia, and when the opportunity came up to join the Strikers, it was one I couldn't pass up.
"Adelaide Oval is an incredible place to play cricket, the Big Bash is a fantastic competition and the Strikers have an exciting group, so I'm looking forward to meeting the players, getting stuck in and contributing to a successful season.
"I can't wait to get started, create some special memories with the group and give Strikers fans plenty to cheer about."
Adelaide Strikers head coach Tim Paine said securing a player of Stokes' calibre was a major boost for the side.
"Ben is one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, a proven match-winner and a competitor who thrives under pressure," Paine said.
"We're thrilled to have a player of his ability join our squad and can't wait to see him put on a show in BBL 16.
"Our fans have watched him produce some of the most memorable moments over the past decade, and now they'll have the chance to see him in Strikers blue.
"Adelaide Oval is the best place in the world to play and watch cricket, so we're looking forward to seeing our members and fans flock through the gates to watch him in action."
The BBL 16 season is set to provide an exciting summer of cricket, with the Strikers beginning their campaign against Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval on December 16, 2026.
Adelaide Strikers' BBL 16 fixtures
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