Ben Stokes has become the first Englishman since 2005 to be named Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world.
Stokes played a key role in England’s World Cup victory in July and was named man of the match in the final. The 28-year-old scored a stunning 135 not out to lead England to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Australia in the third Ashes Test at Headingley.
Andrew Flintoff was the last England men’s player to receive the award.
India captain Virat Kohli has won it for the past three years. England pace bowler Jofra Archer has been named as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year.
Australians Pat Cummins, Marnus Labuschagne and Ellyse Perry have been named alongside Archer, as well as Essex off-spinner Simon Harmer.
Perry, who is the first non-England women’s player to appear as one of the five, has also been named the world’s leading women’s cricketer.
All-rounder Stokes hit an unbeaten 84 and then batted again in the super over as England dramatically beat New Zealand at Lord’s to lift the men’s World Cup for the first time.
His last-wicket stand of 76 with Jack Leach helped England level the Ashes series, which they would eventually draw 2-2.
“Without him, this Almanack might have been another English hard-luck story,” editor Lawrence Booth wrote.
“Instead, it’s a celebration. Stokes is their all-weather cricketer, a giant come rain or shine.
“The next few years should be fun.”
(bbcsport)