Ben Stokes Faces Ranking Slump After Struggling Series in Pakistan

England's all-rounder Ben Stokes has seen a significant decline in his ICC Test rankings following a disappointing return to action in Pakistan. Missing initial matches due to injury, his performances upon returning saw him drop in batting, bowling, and all-rounder categories, marking his first time outside key rankings since 2015.

Ben Stokes, England's renowned all-rounder, has suffered a sharp decline in his ICC Test rankings in all categories following a lackluster performance in two Test matches in Pakistan. Stokes was absent from the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home and the opening Test of the Pakistan tour due to injury. In his stead, Ollie Pope took on the captaincy, steering England to a 2-1 triumph against Sri Lanka and an innings win in Multan.

Upon his return for the remaining two Tests in Pakistan, Stokes delivered subdued performances, managing only 53 runs at an average of 13.25 and giving away 33 runs without securing any wickets. His scores of 1, 37, 12, and 3 underscored his challenges. These outings contributed to a dramatic slide in his ICC Test batting rankings. Initially positioned 30th before the first Test, Stokes tumbled to 34th; the second Test witnessed his fall to 41st place, marking his debut outside the top 40 since December 30, 2015.

Stokes' bowling ranking was not spared either, plummeting from 46th to 51st, marking his first drop outside the top 50 since August 2, 2015. His lowest ever rank had been 49th, recorded on multiple occasions. Consequently, his all-rounder ranking, adversely affected by both batting and bowling dips, also took a hit, sliding from 9th to 12th—his first instance outside the top 10 since late 2015.

Stokes had once held the top all-rounder ranking in 2021 and was frequently within the top five for several years. His pinnacle in batting ranking was third, achieved on July 20, 2020, while his peak in bowling ranking was 19th, reached on July 31, 2017.

(With inputs from agencies.)