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Rise: From shy schoolboy cricketer to England Captain, Ben Stokes is now a major sporting figure - but the story could have ended very differently. He took on the captaincy last month.

The untold story of how Ben Stokes came to Cumbria - and achieved cricketing greatness
A FORMER Workington MP has revealed how he enlisted the help of the rugby league legend Maurice Lindsay - in a move that was to help change the course of English cricketing history.

Stokes, right, will captain a side that include Ollie Pope, left, at number three (photo: PA)

Stokes can get best out of new-look England, says Key

CLOSE: The 'Tyro Trio', Glendinning, Stirling, and Scott, put in good performances to take Staffs to the wire. Photos by Phil Turner, Mark McAlindon, Lesley Cairns

Thrilling finish to Cumbria's T20 campaign in ultimate disappointment

Ben Stokes hits a six in his brilliant innings for Durham (photo: PA)

Big-hitting Stokes smashes records with incredible innings

Ben Stokes at Durham yesterday for his first media conference as England Test captain (photo: PA)

Stokes speaks of family's pride after his appointment as England captain

School 'very proud' of former pupil as he is named test captain for England

School 'very proud' of former pupil as he is named test captain for England

Ben Stokes' rise from Cumbrian junior cricket, right, to the England captaincy has been confirmed

Cumbrian star Stokes appointed new England Test captain

Ben Stokes said he was saying

Stokes remembers late dad Ged after brilliant century for England

Ben Stokes (photo: PA)

Cumbrian star Stokes smashes brilliant century for England against West Indies

Ben Stokes (photo: AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Stokes bounces back with ball for England

How Shane Warne died revealed in autopsy as family issue statement. (PA)

Thai police reveal how Shane Warne died following autopsy amid family statement

Paul Nixon, inset, says Shane Warne, who died yesterday, was a

'He was a genius' says Cumbrian cricket star who faced Shane Warne

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne dies aged 52 of 'suspected heart attack'

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne dies aged 52 of 'suspected heart attack'

Joel Senior (photo: Richard Parkes)

Carlisle United defender's message after knee surgery

Before they were famous. Cumbrian sporting stars, clockwise from top left: Dean Henderson, Lauren Smith, Luke Greenbank and Helen Housby

In pictures: Cumbrian sporting stars as kids!

Ben Stokes (photo: PA)

Cricket star Stokes making documentary about his life and career

Stokes: Fitness decision (photo: PA)

England face decision on Ben Stokes for fifth Ashes test

Ben Stokes, left, says he isn't chasing the England test captaincy currently occupied by Joe Root, centre (photo: PA)

Stokes plays down England captaincy talk and throws weight behind Root

Ben Stokes (front): Tipped as a future England Test captain if Joe Root (back) sees his spell in charge end (photo: PA)

Cumbrian star Stokes "viable alternative" as England's next captain - Atherton

Ben Stokes, left, walks off after being dismissed by Mitchell Starc (photo: PA)

Stokes out for 11 as Australia retain Ashes against woeful England

Ben Stokes: Will resume on day three on two not out (photo: PA)

Stokes and Root face uphill battle to save Ashes after Australia strike at MCG

Ben Stokes was dismissed for 25 on day one of the Boxing Day test at Melbourne (photo: PA)

Ponting: How change of approach could benefit Stokes in Ashes

David 'Bumble' Lloyd (photo: PA)

Former Cumberland player Bumble retires from Sky cricket commentary role

Stokes: Dismissed David Warner on day one (photo: PA)

Ashes: Stokes back in wickets but England toil again

Ben Stokes: New Durham deal for the Cumbrian star (photo: PA)

Cricket star Ben signs new three-year deal

Stokes: Backed by captain Root after first Test defeat (photo: PA)

England captain: Write off Stokes at your peril

Ben Stokes in action on day two of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba (photo: PA)

Ashes: England sweat on Stokes after injury concern

The photo Ben Stokes posted on Instagram today accompanied by a moving tribute to dad Ged

'You are gonna be with me all week' - star Ben's tribute to dad on eve of Ashes

Ben Stokes (photo: PA)

Ben is back! Stokes impresses on return to action ahead of Ashes

Ben Stokes (photo: PA)

Cricket star reveals he feared choking to death on a tablet

DRINK: The Carlisle Cricket Club gin

Cricket club launches its own gin ahead of annual festival

Ben Stokes: Preparing for Ashes series (photo: PA)

Botham: Stokes' bowling key to England's Ashes hopes

Whitehaven Cricket Club unveil new memorial

Cricket Club unveils war memorial

Stokes has returned after several months away from cricket (photo: PA)

Breaking: Ben Stokes added to England squad for Ashes

Stokes in the nets yesterday (pic from Ben Stokes Instagram)

Welcome sight as cricket star Stokes returns to nets

FLASHBACK TO 2009: Gary Pratt square cuts for 4 during his way towards 50. Cumberland v Oxon.

Cumbrian cricket captain set to step down as skipper

Ben Stokes, centre, with his mum Deb and his late dad Ged

Stokes lawyer on 'human cost' of insensitive Sun article

Adored cricket scorer retires after 26 years in the business

Whitehaven Cricket Club

Whitehaven professional Terence Warde saves team from relegation

TEAM: Cumbria CCC Wormsley Final

Cumbria County Cricket Club overpowered in trophy final against Berkshire

Ben Stokes (photo: PA)

England head coach: We won't rush Cumbrian star Stokes

FUNDRAISING: Kerry and the men who took part in the sponsored shave

Ged Blaney Memorial Day raises over £12,000 for West Cumberland Hospital

SKIPPER: Cockermouth’s Gareth White tried to anchor their reply

Furness closing in on league title

Ben Stokes, centre, pictured with mum Deb and his late father Ged

National newspaper apologises and pays damages over "heartless" Stokes article

WASHOUT: This weekend's cricket

Weather dominates Cumbria Cricket League

Cricket umpires Kevin Beaumont and Eric Carter

Cockermouth emerge as main threat to Furness in cricket top flight

Friends: Joe Root, right, and Ben Stokes (photo: PA)

"I just want my friend to be OK" - England captain's message to Ben Stokes

Gary Lineker, right, pictured with Ben Stokes at the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards (photo: PA)

Gary Lineker sends message of support to "brave" Cumbrian star Stokes

Ben Stokes (photo: PA)

Ben Stokes to take "indefinite break" from cricket to focus on his mental health

Gillfoot Park Ladies Cricket

Cocktails and cricket on offer for ladies

Ben Stokes pictured in the first ODI (photo: PA)

Cumbrian Ben reveals message to team ahead of first win as England ODI captain

Ben Stokes: Captaining England’s ODI side (photo: PA)

Captain Ben: I didn't hesitate to step up for Covid-hit England

Ben Stokes (photo: PA)

Updated Ben Stokes returns to captain England as squad hit by Covid-19

Paul Nixon (photo: PA)

Cumbrian favourite lands coaching role in Abu Dhabi cricket league