Ben Stokes set to open the batting for Adelaide Strikers on Big Bash return

Ben Stokes has signed with Adelaide Strikers for the 2026-27 Big Bash League season on a one-year deal that includes full availability through the finals. Adelaide Strikers edged out Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades to secure the 35-year-old's services.

Stokes retired from international cricket in June 2026. His previous Big Bash experience came when he played four games for Melbourne Renegades in the 2014-15 season. He has featured sparsely in the shortest format since he helped England lift the 2022 T20 World Cup with a match-winning innings in the final against Pakistan in Melbourne. Adelaide Strikers' head coach Tim Paine has outlined the role the club has in mind for Stokes. Paine said the club made clear from the outset that they wanted Stokes batting in the top three, and that Stokes was in agreement.

"We (thought) that we'd like to bat him in the top three, and he was in agreeance with that. As soon as that (decision) was made, then we were full steam ahead. It was just perfect alignment that he wants to bat in the top three (and) we want to use him there," Paine said, as quoted by Cricket.com.au.

Why does Paine believe Stokes is suited to opening in the Big Bash?

Paine has been direct about where he sees Stokes fitting best in the Strikers batting order. Australian conditions, in particular the pace and bounce on offer at home grounds, are central to his thinking. He said he believes the Australian surfaces will bring out the best in Stokes as an opener,

"I think he's made to open the batting in the Big Bash. The pasty, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him. I've been on the end of a couple of his devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you can't defend the field," Paine said.

Stokes is expected to partner Matt Short at the top of the order, with Short also capable of dropping to number three if required. Paine also addressed the prospect of Short and Stokes opening together.

"They're both really different (and) both absolutely world-class, so if you're sitting in front of your TV and those two are walking out to open the batting, I think it'll be pretty exciting. Matt Short has showed in other leagues that he's more than happy to bat at three and play different roles as long as the team he's in is getting better. We've had that discussion with him and it's an option as well. It's nice to have high-quality players that we can choose from," he added.

What impact could Stokes have beyond the batting crease for the Strikers?

Stokes is not expected to contribute with the bat alone. Despite a history of injury that has at times prevented him from bowling, Paine is confident Stokes will be a viable bowling option for the Strikers. Paine also spoke about how Australian fans are likely to receive Stokes, noting that despite years of Ashes rivalry, respect for Stokes has always been present among the Australian public.

"He's a bit quicker than people think. When you think about it, most of those guys that we are like that with is because they're up there with some of the best players the game has ever seen. I know Australian cricket fans have loved beating England and loved beating Ben Stokes, but they've absolutely always respected the way he plays the game, how competitive he is (and) how much he wants to win," Paine said.