Ben Stokes could be given a new challenge when he joins the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL), with head coach Tim Paine backing the England all-rounder to open the batting. Stokes officially signed with the Strikers on Tuesday and could now move away from his familiar middle-order role.
Although Stokes has spent most of his career batting in the middle order, Paine believes Australian conditions could make him particularly effective at the top. The former Australia captain feels the pace and bounce of Big Bash pitches will allow Stokes to make full use of his attacking game.
Paine highlighted Stokes’ ability to score all around the ground, generate power and put opposition bowlers under immediate pressure. He believes those qualities make the England star a natural fit for the opening role in the BBL.
ALSO READ: Ajit Agarkar Raises Bumrah Fitness Concern Ahead Of India’s 2027 ODI World Cup Plans
If Stokes does move to the top of the order, he could form an exciting opening partnership with Adelaide Strikers captain Matt Short. Short is also renowned for his aggressive approach, giving the Strikers a potentially explosive combination at the beginning of their innings.
Stoked.
The Adelaide Strikers are thrilled to announce the signing of one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, Ben Stokes, ahead of BBL|16.
Details → https://t.co/a18wsyxP5y pic.twitter.com/SozHIsrdTw
— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) September 1, 2026
Paine praised the prospect of pairing the two batters, pointing out that their contrasting styles could complement each other while giving Adelaide a strong platform in the powerplay.
Stokes, 35, recently retired from international cricket midway through England’s Test series against New Zealand. However, he remains active in county cricket with Durham and is now set to return to the T20 franchise circuit. The all-rounder was also omitted from England’s second Test against New Zealand after breaching a team curfew during a nightclub incident involving teammate Gus Atkinson.
WATCH – Glenn Maxwell Names Virat Kohli And Steve Smith Among the Greatest He Has Seen
Despite Stokes’ long-running rivalry with Australian cricket fans, Paine expects him to receive a warm welcome. He believes Australian supporters respect Stokes’ competitiveness, character and desire to win. Stokes previously played for the Melbourne Renegades in 2015. His Adelaide Strikers contract makes him available for the entire BBL season, which runs from mid-December until January 26.
