Former England coaches Trevor Bayliss and Andy Flower among five coaches recognised at the UK Coaching Awards for the role they have played in Ben Stokes’ career to date.

Former England coaches Trevor Bayliss and Andy Flower have been recognised at the UK Coaching Awards for the role they have played in Ben Stokes’ career to date.

Bayliss and Flower were named alongside Stokes’ Durham coaches John Windows and Geoff Cook, as well as Jon Gibson of Cockermouth CC – the all-rounder’s first club – for UK Coaching’s Coaching Chain Award.

Stokes has grown into one of the world’s best all-rounders, helping England to World Cup glory this summer as well as that memorable innings at Headingley to win the third Specsavers Ashes Test over Australia in August.

The Durham Academy graduate has scored over 6,500 runs and taken over 200 wickets for England across all formats, having made his ODI and IT20 debuts in 2011, followed by a Test bow in the 2013 Ashes.

It was Flower who gave him all three debuts, and the Zimbabwean paid tribute to the cricketer Stokes has evolved into.

“Ben is a once-in-a-generation player and I’m proud to have played a small part in his journey as a cricketer and as a man,” Flower said.

“I was there for his debuts in limited overs and Test cricket and now I’ve had the pleasure of watching him become a real leader in English sport.

“There are a huge number of people behind the scenes who have made small contributions to help Ben achieve his potential. We are all proud of him.” ​

Bayliss, who coached England between 2015 and 2019, added: “It is always a pleasure to coach an athlete like Ben; someone who is so dedicated to improving their craft and will go the extra mile to become the best.

“It’s testament to his coaching pathway that Ben was already an incredibly talented cricketer when I started working with him for England in 2015 and it has been great to watch him develop into one of the world’s best players.”

Stokes said of the award: “I’m very proud that my coaches have been honoured with this award from UK Coaching.

“While athletes take the public accolades for their achievements there are so many people along the way who don’t always get the recognition they deserve.

“Whether it’s the person who drove me to matches when I was a youngster, or the coach who stayed after practice to throw me a few more balls – this award is for them and everyone else who has supported me throughout my career.​”

John Neal, ECB Head of Coach Development, added: “Congratulations to the five coaches receiving this award.

“It's great that UK Coaching are recognising not just those at the very top of the sport, but those who put in so much effort at grassroots and Foundation level as well – much of which can often be overlooked.

“Coaches and other volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport and have a unique ability to inspire a new generation of cricketers to be their best and reach their full potential, which is certainly something to be celebrated.”