Talismanic former England captain Ben Stokes could take up a new role in his latest journey in franchise cricket. After signing a one-year contract with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), Stokes could open during the upcoming season, team head coach Tim Paine hinted. Having played most of his cricket as a middle-order batter across formats, Stokes has a chance to unlock his ‘360-degree game’ at the top, as Paine highlighted. &nbsp;Paine’s presence as head coach played a key role in bringing Stokes to Adelaide. With the two being at opposite ends as captains during the 2019 Ashes -- which made Stokes a national hero for his Leeds outing -- Paine knew exactly how destructive he would be on bouncy tracks Down Under, which suits his game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-signs-adelaide-strikers-record-bbl-deal-1788273751583">Ben Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers in record AUD $500k BBL deal</a> &nbsp;"He [Stokes] gives us a lot of flexibility," Paine said. "I think initially my chats around how we would use him would probably be opening the batting. I think he's made to open the batting in Big Bash. I think the pacey, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him. &nbsp;"I've been on the end of a couple of these devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you can't defend the field. He can play 360 [degrees]. He's got power. He's got some real class." &nbsp;Only 16 of Stokes’ 148 T20 innings have come as an opener, as he mostly batted at 3, 4 or 5. However, one of his two T20 hundreds came while opening, when he scored a brilliant 107 off just 60 balls for Rajasthan Royals during the 2020 IPL edition.&nbsp; &nbsp;Stokes last played a T20 game during the 2024 edition of The Hundred. &nbsp; &nbsp;"I think he can do a terrific job opening the batting," Paine said. "Playing pretty normally, as we've seen in the past, he can flick a switch, and he's got amazing power. His skill level with the bat and his play of spin, he's just a well-rounded, world-class batter. We think that's probably the best fit for him and for us. &nbsp;"Then with the ball, we think he can surprise people. I've played against him. He's a bit quicker than people think. He's got great skill. He can swing the ball both ways. We feel like we can use him in all phases of the game with the ball as well. He'll impact in the field with his athleticism and just the way he competes,” Paine said.&nbsp;<h2>All Spotlights on Stokes</h2>Stokes knows how to garner attention because of his cricketing aura and personality, and Paine pinpointed that with wild coverage around his BBL signing since Tuesday. Speaking on how it all magnifies when Stokes takes the field at the Adelaide Oval, Paine said, "He's someone that's always drawn a lot of attention because of his personality and the way he plays the game. &nbsp;"I think we've seen in the last 24 hours just how much light he's shone on the Big Bash just with his announcement. I'm sure that will only magnify when he lands in Adelaide and when he starts playing well and scoring runs and taking wickets. &nbsp;"There's some intangible stuff with Stokesy as well, I think, around his leadership, his presence and commercially and fan engagement. So there's not that many players I wouldn't have thought out in the world that tick all of those boxes and are still at a really high level as a cricketer. So, yeah, we made that decision pretty quickly and pursued him quite aggressively,” the former Australian captain added.

Ben Stokes could open the batting for Adelaide Strikers in BBL 16, head coach Tim Paine hinted following the former England captain's blockbuster signing.

Talismanic former England captain Ben Stokes could take up a new role in his latest journey in franchise cricket. After signing a one-year contract with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), Stokes could open during the upcoming season, team head coach Tim Paine hinted. Having played most of his cricket as a middle-order batter across formats, Stokes has a chance to unlock his ‘360-degree game’ at the top, as Paine highlighted. Paine’s presence as head coach played a key role in bringing Stokes to Adelaide. With the two being at opposite ends as captains during the 2019 Ashes -- which made Stokes a national hero for his Leeds outing -- Paine knew exactly how destructive he would be on bouncy tracks Down Under, which suits his game. Also read| Ben Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers in record AUD $500k BBL deal "He [Stokes] gives us a lot of flexibility," Paine said. "I think initially my chats around how we would use him would probably be opening the batting. I think he's made to open the batting in Big Bash. I think the pacey, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him. "I've been on the end of a couple of these devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you can't defend the field. He can play 360 [degrees]. He's got power. He's got some real class." Only 16 of Stokes’ 148 T20 innings have come as an opener, as he mostly batted at 3, 4 or 5. However, one of his two T20 hundreds came while opening, when he scored a brilliant 107 off just 60 balls for Rajasthan Royals during the 2020 IPL edition. Stokes last played a T20 game during the 2024 edition of The Hundred. "I think he can do a terrific job opening the batting," Paine said. "Playing pretty normally, as we've seen in the past, he can flick a switch, and he's got amazing power. His skill level with the bat and his play of spin, he's just a well-rounded, world-class batter. We think that's probably the best fit for him and for us. "Then with the ball, we think he can surprise people. I've played against him. He's a bit quicker than people think. He's got great skill. He can swing the ball both ways. We feel like we can use him in all phases of the game with the ball as well. He'll impact in the field with his athleticism and just the way he competes,” Paine said. All Spotlights on Stokes Stokes knows how to garner attention because of his cricketing aura and personality, and Paine pinpointed that with wild coverage around his BBL signing since Tuesday. Speaking on how it all magnifies when Stokes takes the field at the Adelaide Oval, Paine said, "He's someone that's always drawn a lot of attention because of his personality and the way he plays the game. "I think we've seen in the last 24 hours just how much light he's shone on the Big Bash just with his announcement. I'm sure that will only magnify when he lands in Adelaide and when he starts playing well and scoring runs and taking wickets. "There's some intangible stuff with Stokesy as well, I think, around his leadership, his presence and commercially and fan engagement. So there's not that many players I wouldn't have thought out in the world that tick all of those boxes and are still at a really high level as a cricketer. So, yeah, we made that decision pretty quickly and pursued him quite aggressively,” the former Australian captain added.

Ben Stokes could open the batting for Adelaide Strikers in BBL 16, head coach Tim Paine hinted following the former England captain's blockbuster signing.

BBL 16: Tim Paine teases opening role for Ben Stokes at Adelaide Strikers

Former England captain Ben Stokes has signed up for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), the franchise announced on Tuesday (Sep 1). Available to play franchise cricket worldwide following his shock international retirement in June, Stokes picked Australia’s BBL as his first step towards a new journey. The talismanic English all-rounder has also become the first overseas player to join since the new contracting system was confirmed last week, which allows teams to make direct signings.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Stoked. The Adelaide Strikers are thrilled to announce the signing of one of cricket&#39;s greatest all-rounders, Ben Stokes, ahead of BBL|16. Details → <a href="https://t.co/a18wsyxP5y">https://t.co/a18wsyxP5y</a> <a href="https://t.co/SozHIsrdTw">pic.twitter.com/SozHIsrdTw</a>&mdash; Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) <a href="https://x.com/StrikersBBL/status/2094717657623011352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In Stokes’ case, local media reports that his deal is in the region of AU$500,000 (US$360,000 approx.) – significantly higher than the previous highest band at the platinum level of the draft which was AU$420,000. More overseas signings in the coming weeks could fetch huge numbers.&nbsp; &nbsp;Several BBL clubs were interested in signing Stokes, but it was the Strikers, coached by former Australian Test captain Tim Paine, who secured his services for one year.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/josh-hazlewood-australia-south-africa-tour-crowd-abuse-1788180061686">Josh Hazlewood expects South Africa sledging, insists Aussies won't be fazed</a> &nbsp;"I'm really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16," Stokes said in a statement. "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. &nbsp;"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. &nbsp;"I can't wait to get started, create some special memories with the group and give Strikers fans plenty to cheer about,” he continued. &nbsp;On Stokes’ signing, Paine said, “Ben is one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, a proven match-winner and a competitor who thrives under pressure. 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.”<h2>Touchdown Australia</h2>Meanwhile, Stokes will return to Australia for the first time since leading England in an away Ashes in late 2025. The visitors suffered an embarrassing 3-1 series loss Down Under, having last won an Ashes on Australian soil in 2011/12. &nbsp;The left-handed batter will also make only his second appearance in the BBL, since last representing Melbourne Renegades for a four-game stint in 2014. &nbsp;While Stokes' first game for the Strikers will be against Sydney Thunder, which would include David Warner, on December 16 in Canberra, his first home match will be against Thunder in the return fixture at the Adelaide Oval on December 23.

Former England captain Ben Stokes has signed a record AU$500,000 deal with the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16. Read the full details on his full-season commitment.

Former England captain Ben Stokes has signed up for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), the franchise announced on Tuesday (Sep 1). Available to play franchise cricket worldwide following his shock international retirement in June, Stokes picked Australia’s BBL as his first step towards a new journey. The talismanic English all-rounder has also become the first overseas player to join since the new contracting system was confirmed last week, which allows teams to make direct signings.

Former England captain Ben Stokes has signed a record AU$500,000 deal with the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16. Read the full details on his full-season commitment.

Ben Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers in record AUD $500k BBL deal

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BBL 16: Tim Paine teases opening role for Ben Stokes at Adelaide Strikers

Ben Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers in record AUD $500k BBL deal