Ben Stokes vs Shakib Al Hasan: Who is the Best All-Rounder in International Cricket?

Introduction to All-Rounders in Cricket

Cricket, particularly in the international arena, often holds a special place in the hearts of fans for its all-rounders. These versatile athletes can bowl, bat, and field at a high level, making their performances invaluable to their teams. Currently, Ben Stokes and Shakib Al Hasan are leading contenders in the all-rounder category. This article delves into the performances and potential of both players, providing an in-depth analysis of which of these cricketers might be considered the best all-rounder as of August 2015.

Ben Stokes: The Backbone of England’s Cricket Team

Ben Stokes, a prominent figure in English cricket, has been incredibly consistent in his all-round performances. As a batsman, he has been effective at vital stages of the game, while his bowling displays have been a steady support for the team. His significant contribution to winning matches for England in different formats has earned him a respectable reputation.

One of Stokes' most memorable performances came during the highly contested 2015 Ashes series in Headingley, where he scored an unbeaten 135, which was crucial to England's victory. Additionally, he has often been relied upon during critical moments, exemplified by his ability to smoothly transition from bowling to batting.

However, there are questions about his Test batting average, which some argue is lower than desired. Nevertheless, his role as a middle-order batsman requires him to contribute with quickfire 30-40 runs, which is often pivotal in matches. This ability to contribute without having to maintain a high average is an asset to his value as a player.

Shakib Al Hasan: A Remote Contender but Still the Best?

Contrary to the prevailing opinion, some argue that the greatest all-round award should go to Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladesh all-rounder is renowned for his consistent performances and has regularly won matches for his team, demonstrating why he could be the best all-rounder in the current era.

While Ben Stokes has shown remarkable progress in recent years, it is premature to term him the best all-rounder. His achievements, such as winning the 2019 World Cup and the 2019 Ashes match, are significant, but these moments should not overshadow the substantial contributions of Shakib Al Hasan.

The Road to Becoming the Best

Both Ben Stokes and Shakib Al Hasan are on the correct path to becoming the best all-rounders of their time. While Stokes has demonstrated notable improvements, it is essential to keep in mind that more time may be needed to establish a robust performance record. The same can be said for Shakib Al Hasan, who consistently performs at a high level.

Of the two, Ben Stokes currently holds the 15th rank in all-rounders in Test cricket, showing his potential to rise further. If he continues to improve, his journey to becoming the best all-rounder is likely to continue.

Conclusion: The Quest for the Ultimate All-Rounder

While both Ben Stokes and Shakib Al Hasan are top contenders for the title of the best all-rounder, the decision remains subjective. Both cricketers bring unique strengths to the game and have contributed significantly to their respective teams. Whether one of them earns the accolade of being the best all-rounder will depend on their continued performances and the evolving nature of the game.