English cricketer Ben Stokes was named as the leading cricketer in the world in the 2020 edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, the publication announced on Wednesday.

The all-rounder played the most important role in England winning its maiden ODI World Cup last year in their country. His unbeaten innings of 135 also led the side in beating Australia in a thrilling one-wicket win in third Ashes Test at Headingly in England.

Stokes Second English Player To Win This Title

He is the only the second English cricketer to win this award after Andrew Flintoff. Flintoff, who was the hero of the 2005 Ashes series win by England was the first English player to win this honor in 2005.

The editor of the publication Lawrence Booth feels that the all-rounder is English all-weather man and without him, the England’s 2020 World Cup campaign would have been a different story.

He said, “Without him, this Almanack might have been another English hard-luck story. Instead, it’s a celebration. Stokes is their all-weather cricketer, a giant comes rain or shine. The next few years should be fun.”

Booth praised the 28-year-old Stokes that he has given two life-time performances within a span of few weeks which helped England win the world cup and in its one-wicket win over Australia in Headingly Test.

Before Ben Stokes, Indian Captain Virat Kohli won the award for three consecutive years.

Ellyse Perry Named Leading Woman Player

The magazine named Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry as the leading woman player in the world.

Perry also featured in the list of 5 cricketers of the year along with English pacer Jofra Archer, Australian pace bowler Pat Cummins, another Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne and Essex off-spinner Simon Harmer.

The two  Australians were instrumental in Australia retaining the Men’s Ashes series last year in England.

Perry scored the highest runs and took the most wickets as Australia successfully retained their Women’s Ashes title against England last year.

Booth said, “Ellyse Perry dominated the women’s Ashes like no one before her.”