Ben Stokes Joins Adelaide Strikers for Big Bash League Season

Ben Stokes will return to the Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers, giving the Australian competition one of cricket’s most recognizable all-rounders after his shock retirement from international cricket.

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One of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, a proven match-winner and a competitor who thrives under pressure.

The Strikers confirmed the signing after reports earlier in the week tipped the move. Adelaide coach Tim Paine called Stokes "one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen" and said the Englishman was a proven match-winner who thrived under pressure.

Stokes said he "couldn't pass up" the chance to join Adelaide. "Adelaide Oval is an incredible place to play cricket, the Big Bash is a fantastic competition and the Strikers have an exciting group," he said. "I can't wait to get started, create some special memories with the group and give Strikers fans plenty to cheer about."

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Couldn't pass up.

The 35-year-old will be available for the entire BBL summer. He previously played for the Melbourne Renegades in 2015 and made his Test debut in Adelaide in 2013.

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Adelaide Oval is an incredible place to play cricket, the Big Bash is a fantastic competition and the Strikers have an exciting group.

Stokes retired from international cricket in June, a decision announced during a Test match. He scored more than 11,000 international runs in T20, one-day international and Test cricket. His best-known performances include an unbeaten 135 against Australia at Headingley in 2019 and an unbeaten 84 in the World Cup final against New Zealand that same year.

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I can't wait to get started, create some special memories with the group and give Strikers fans plenty to cheer about.