Ben Foakes: A Statistical Analysis Of The Surrey Wicketkeeper-Batsman's Career

Ben Foakes, born on February 15, 1993, in Colchester, Essex, is a distinguished cricketer acknowledged for his wicket-keeping abilities. With a career spanning several teams and outstanding achievements, let’s delve deeper into the adventure of this English cricketer.

Ben Foakes Career Journey

Ben Foakes, a right-handed batsman, started his cricketing adventure as a promising wicketkeeper-batsman at Essex. From a young age, he confirmed his capacity as an England prospect. However, due to the long-lasting career of James Foster, another young prodigy, Ben Foakes made a pivotal step to enrol in Surrey at the end of 2014, in search of better opportunities. This choice proved to be clever.

A Rising Star

Ben Foakes gradually established himself as Surrey's primary wicketkeeper and displayed his batting prowess, consistently performing well in the County Championship. His dedication and enthusiasm for wicketkeeping, nurtured by working with coaches like Bruce French in England age-group sides, set him on the path to success.

International Debut and Early Challenges

In 2018-19, Ben Foakes’ debut in Test Cricket was for England in Sri Lanka. His virtuosic wicket-keeping display and capable century on debut, scoring runs with panache in Galle, demonstrated not only his impressive skills behind the stumps but at the crease as well. 

Despite an early promising start in his return as first-choice wicketkeeper, Jonny Bairstow's inclusion brought about Ben Foakes being cut from the national side once more, much to the disappointment of observers hoping for a more consistent run between the posts.

Regaining Momentum

A difficult duration was observed for Ben Foakes as he admitted to taking a break in 2019. However, taking time off during the wintry weather of that year allowed him to rediscover his passion for cricket. He returned to the global scene in 2021, cashing in on England's rotation policy because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crucial Role in New Leadership

Under the brand new management of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum in 2022, Ben Foakes emerged as an essential participant for England. His calmness at the back of the stumps and reliable batting became especially glaring in his century towards South Africa at Old Trafford in August 2022, assisting England to secure an essential win.

Career Statistics 
  • Ben Foakes Test Matches: Foakes has played 20 Test matches as of 2023. He has scored 934 runs with an average of 32.20, including 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries. He has also taken 57 catches.
  • Ben Foakes ODI Matches: In the one ODI he played, Foakes scored 61 runs with a strike rate of 80.26. He also took 2 catches and executed 1 stumping.
  • T20I Matches: Ben Foakes has participated in one T20I match, taking 1 catch.
  • First-Class Matches: In his first-class career, Foakes has played 154 matches, amassing 7859 runs at an average of 39.29. He has scored 15 centuries and 41 half-centuries, along with 969 fours and 32 sixes. In the field, he has taken 386 catches and executed 31 stumpings.
  • List A Matches: In 77 List A matches, he has scored 2147 runs with an average of 38.33, including 1 century and 19 half-centuries. Foakes has also taken 88 catches and executed 12 stumpings.
  • Ben Foakes T20 Matches: He has played 78 T20 matches, scoring 859 runs at an average of 20.95. He has struck 4 half-centuries and hit 72 fours and 14 sixes. In the field, he has taken 38 catches and executed 10 stumpings.

Ben Foakes' cricketing adventure is marked by resilience and dedication. From his early days as a promising expert to organising himself as a dependable wicketkeeper-batsman, his career continues to conform, and he remains a valuable asset in international cricket.

FAQs
When and where was Ben Foakes born?
Ben Foakes was born on February 15, 1993, in Essex. Ben Foakes’ age is 30 years as of 2023. 
Which fielding position does Ben Foakes specialise in?
Ben Foakes specialises as a wicketkeeper.
How many Test matches has Ben Foakes played to date? 
As of now, Ben Foakes has played 20 Test matches for England.