Ben Stokes as Test Captain: The Record, the Milestones and the Bazball Legacy
A look at Ben Stokes’ four years as England Test captain: 44 matches, 24 wins, the Bazball approach, and the series and records that defined his tenure.
By SportCricket Desk · 29 Jun 2026 · 3 min read
Ben Stokes has stepped away from international cricket, and with him goes one of the most distinctive captaincies England have had in Test cricket. Here is how his tenure looked in numbers and moments.
Taking Over at a Low Point
Stokes became Test captain in 2022 after Joe Root resigned. England had just lost 4-0 in the Ashes in Australia and also lost a series to West Indies. Working with head coach Brendon McCullum, Stokes introduced an attacking philosophy that became known as Bazball, built on fearless batting, bold declarations and a constant search for a result.
England began with a 3-0 home sweep of New Zealand and then chased down 378 against India at Edgbaston, one of the highest successful chases in their Test history.
Highlights of the Tenure
- A 3-0 series win in Pakistan, England’s first Test series victory there since 2000.
- The fastest England captain to ten Test wins, reaching the mark in 12 matches.
- A first Test win in New Zealand since 2008, and a first series win there in 16 years on the 2024 tour.
- A fightback from 2-0 down to draw the 2023 Ashes 2-2.
- A win over India in Hyderabad in 2024 after trailing by 190 on the first innings.
The Numbers
| Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 24 | 17 | 2 | 54.54 |
What Comes Next
England did not reach every goal, and the ICC World Test Championship eluded them. Even so, Stokes changed the way the team was seen and made them one of the most entertaining sides in the world.
The ECB has yet to name his successor. White-ball captain Harry Brook is currently vice-captain.
