Ben Foakes is an elite English wicketkeeper-batsman with over 7,000 first-class runs and 300+ dismissals, renowned for his technical skill behind the stumps and reliable batting.
Ben Foakes stands out as a highly skilled wicketkeeper-batsman in modern cricket. Born on February 15, 1993, in Colchester, Essex, he comes from a sporting family—his father, Peter Foakes, officiated in the Premier League as a football referee. Despite making his England Test debut in 2018 with a century against Sri Lanka in Galle—only the fifth Englishman to achieve this feat overseas—he often played second fiddle to other wicket-keepers in the national team’s early years. His first-class record underscores his talent, with over 7,000 runs at an average exceeding 40 and more than 300 dismissals. Notably, his catch-to-stumping ratio ranks among the best in English county cricket history. Born Benjamin Thomas Foakes, he attended Tendring Technology College in Essex before launching his professional career with Essex County Cricket Club. In 2015, he transferred to Surrey, where he has since established himself as one of the most dependable glovemen in the game. Foakes made his England Test debut on November 6, 2018, against Sri Lanka in Galle, scoring a century. His limited-overs debuts followed swiftly: an ODI against Ireland in May 2019 and a T20I against Pakistan later that same month. Former England captain Alec Stewart has publicly praised him as the best wicketkeeper in the world. As of 2025, Foakes continues to represent England in Tests while playing domestically for Surrey, having also featured for Essex, England Lions, MCC, and other teams. His estimated net worth ranges from $2 million to $5 million. While Foakes keeps much of his personal life private—including his religious beliefs—it is widely assumed he follows Christianity, given his English upbringing in Essex. He hails from a close-knit sporting family. His late father, Peter, was a respected Premier League referee who officiated 21 top-flight matches, including high-pressure fixtures, and worked as a schoolteacher. Peter passed away in 2006 from a heart attack when Ben was just 13 years old; Foakes honors his memory with a tattoo on his wrist bearing the date 18.09.06. Ben’s mother, Fiona Foakes, is a former PE teacher who now mentors young cricketers at Essex County Cricket Club, helping them navigate academic pressures, career decisions, and the emotional challenges of pursuing sport professionally. Upon seeing her son score a century on his Test debut in Sri Lanka in 2018, she described herself as an “overwhelmed mess” while rushing to book a flight to join him. Ben has an older brother, Matt, with whom he played cricket at Frinton-on-Sea Cricket Club. Matt, a talented player in his own right, competed for clubs such as Bowdon and Frinton-on-Sea. Ben has no sisters; Matt is his only sibling. Foakes remains absent from major social media platforms. He does not have an official Instagram account, X (formerly Twitter), or Facebook profile. While fan pages exist under his name, no verified personal accounts are maintained by him. On the field, he has worn jersey number 50 in international matches for England. In domestic cricket, his numbers vary, with 4 and 7 among those he has used depending on the competition. Foakes has maintained a low public profile regarding his personal life, but it is confirmed he has been in a long-term relationship with Lynsey Wilson, a psychology professional from Scotland. Wilson, now based in London, serves as Director of Client Services at a matchmaking and relationship consultancy firm. The couple has been together for over five years, though they have chosen to keep the specifics of their relationship private. Ben Foakes’ career took shape through the Essex youth system before he moved to Surrey in 2015 to expand his opportunities as a wicketkeeper. His breakthrough came in November 2018 during England’s tour of Sri Lanka, when he was called up after Jonny Bairstow’s injury. On debut in Galle, Foakes scored 107, becoming only the second England wicketkeeper to score a century on Test debut. His stellar wicketkeeping throughout the series on turning pitches earned widespread acclaim. In May 2019, he made his ODI debut against Ireland, guiding England to a successful chase with an unbeaten 61 and winning the Player of the Match award. Across his international career—primarily in Test cricket—Foakes has played 25 matches, batting 46 times. He has amassed just over 1,100 runs at an average of 29.2, including two centuries and four half-centuries, with a top score of 113 not out. Behind the stumps, he has claimed nearly 70 catches and effected 10 stumpings. Though his opportunities in limited-overs cricket have been limited, he made a strong impression in his sole ODI with a crucial unbeaten innings. He has not batted in his only T20I appearance. In domestic T20 cricket, Foakes has featured in 74 Vitality Blast matches across Essex and Surrey, scoring 835 runs in 50 innings with a highest score of 75 not out. His average of 21.4 reflects his role batting lower down the order during high-pressure moments. His strike rate of 124 includes four half-centuries. His wicketkeeping in this format is widely regarded as elite, with 37 catches and 10 stumpings to his name. Back in 2012, Foakes made headlines as England’s top run-scorer at the Under‑19 World Cup. His Test debut in November 2018 was spectacular, as he scored 107 and became the second England wicketkeeper to score a century on debut. Days later, he continued his form in ODIs, scoring an unbeaten 61 on debut and earning Player of the Match honors. That year, he was also named Man of the Series in England’s Test victory over Sri Lanka. Foakes achieved another milestone in 2023 when he was named one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year. In 2024, he became the 12th England wicketkeeper to reach 1,000 Test runs. As of 2026, Ben Foakes is 32 years old, having been born on February 15, 1993. Ben Foakes’ partner is Lynsey Wilson, a professional from Scotland. What is Ben Foakes’ estimated net worth and income? Ben Foakes’ net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $5 million. What are Ben Foakes’ career highlights? In 2023, he was honored by Wisden as one of their Five Cricketers of the Year. In 2024, he became the 12th England wicketkeeper to reach 1,000 Test runs. All images are used for editorial purposes only and are licensed solely through Getty/Source.