One of cricket's greatest all-rounders, Ben Stokes, has signed with the Adelaide Strikers ahead of BBL|16.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential cricketers of his generation, the 35-year-old Englishman has forged a remarkable international career spanning more than 15 years, earning a reputation for producing match-winning performances with both bat and ball on the sport’s biggest stages.
The fiercely competitive all-rounder has consistently performed on the biggest stages in world cricket. His unbeaten 84 in England's dramatic 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final victory over New Zealand helped force a Super Over, ultimately securing England's maiden ODI World Cup title.
One of Stokes' most memorable innings came just weeks later in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, where he produced a remarkable unbeaten 135 to lead England to a one-wicket victory over Australia and level the series.
Across his international career, Stokes has amassed more than 11,000 runs, including career-best scores of 258 in Test cricket and 182 in One Day Internationals, while registering 19 international centuries.
In the IPL, Stokes has registered two T20 centuries, including an unbeaten 107 from 60 deliveries for Rajasthan Royals in 2020 and 103 from 63 balls for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017.
With the ball, he has claimed 352 international wickets, highlighted by career-best figures of 6/22.
Stokes will be available for the entire BBL|16 campaign, adding world-class talent to the exciting Adelaide Strikers squad.
Stokes said he was looking forward to joining the Strikers and playing at one of cricket's most iconic venues.
"I'm really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16," he 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 his 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."
An exciting summer of Big Bash cricket is just around the corner, with early bird tickets now available through Ticketek.
With demand expected to be high, fans can guarantee their place at Adelaide Oval by purchasing an Adelaide Strikers membership through the Adelaide Strikers website.
Full fixture
16 December 2026 – Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers – Manuka Oval
18 December 2026 – Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers – MCG
23 December 2026 – Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder – Adelaide Oval
28 December 2026 – Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers – The Gabba
31 December 2026 – Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars – Adelaide Oval
3 January 2027 – Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers – Manuka Oval
6 January 2027 – Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Renegades – Adelaide Oval
9 January 2027 – Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers – University of Tasmania Stadium
12 January 2027 – Adelaide Strikers v Hobart Hurricanes – Adelaide Oval
16 January 2027 – Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers – Adelaide Oval