Is Ben Stokes a Fast Bowler? The Truth About His Bowling Style
Is Ben Stokes Really a Fast Bowler?
If you’ve watched England’s cricket team in action, you’ve definitely seen Ben Stokes charging in with the ball. But the question is – is he actually a fast bowler?
I remember a conversation with my mate Chris during an Ashes match. He asked, “Stokes is bowling at 140 km/h… does that make him a fast bowler?” And honestly, it’s a fair question.
Stokes bowls with aggression, gets crucial breakthroughs, and can crank up the speed when needed. But does that put him in the same league as someone like Mark Wood or Jofra Archer? Let’s break it down.
What Type of Bowler is Ben Stokes?
1. Stokes is a Fast-Medium Bowler
While Stokes can generate good pace, he is best classified as a fast-medium bowler, not a genuine fast bowler.
- His average speed sits around 130-140 km/h (80-87 mph).
- Occasionally, he can push up to 145 km/h (90 mph), but that’s not his default.
- He relies on aggression, swing, and seam movement rather than pure pace.
So, if you compare him to England’s fastest bowlers, like Jofra Archer (150+ km/h) or Mark Wood, Stokes doesn’t quite fit into that category.
2. His Bowling Strength Lies in Versatility
Stokes isn’t the guy you bring in just to bowl thunderbolts. His biggest strength as a bowler is his adaptability:
He can bowl long spells and maintain pressure.
He gets extra bounce and movement due to his high-arm action.
He thrives in tough conditions, like getting reverse swing in the latter stages of a Test match.
Example: Think back to the 2019 Ashes at Headingley—Stokes bowled a marathon spell and got wickets through sheer persistence and skill rather than raw pace.
Can Ben Stokes Bowl Like a Genuine Fast Bowler?
1. He Can Bowl Fast… But Not Consistently
There have been moments when Stokes has bowled express pace, but those are rare.
- When he’s fully fit and fired up, he can touch 145 km/h.
- However, he generally sits in the 130-140 km/h range, which is considered fast-medium.
2. Injuries Have Limited His Speed
One of the reasons Stokes isn’t regularly bowling fast is his history of injuries.
- Back injuries have forced him to reduce his bowling workload.
- As an all-rounder, he has to balance batting and bowling, so he can't go full speed every spell.
- England often uses him in short bursts, not long, high-intensity fast-bowling spells.
So, Is Stokes a Fast Bowler or Not?
Let’s settle this once and for all:
He is a fast-medium bowler, not a genuine fast bowler.
He can bowl at high speeds but doesn’t do it consistently.
His real value lies in his aggression, swing, and ability to break partnerships rather than raw pace.
So next time someone asks, “Is Ben Stokes a fast bowler?”, you know what to say – he’s not express pace, but he’s a damn good fast-medium enforcer!
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| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
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