Benjamin Alexander Raine, commonly known as Ben Raine, is an English cricket player hailing from Sunderland. He is known for his impressive skills as a combative seam-bowling all-rounder, making significant contributions with both bat and ball.
Raine’s journey in the world of cricket started at an early age when he joined the academy of Durham County Cricket Club. His talent and dedication were evident from the beginning, and he made his first appearance for Durham in 2011, debuting against the Sri Lankan tourists. However, it was his move to Leicestershire in 2013 that allowed him to showcase his potential.
During his time with Leicestershire, Raine demonstrated his all-round abilities, finally breaking through in the 2015 season. That year, he secured an impressive 59 wickets in the Championship while also scoring over 500 runs. Despite Leicestershire’s struggles, Raine’s performances remained consistent, and he emerged as a beacon of hope for the team.
In the following year, Raine’s coach, Andrew McDonald, predicted even better things to come for the talented cricketer. However, while Leicestershire’s fortunes improved, Raine’s progress seemed to stagnate momentarily. But he proved his worth once again in 2017, taking 51 wickets in Division Two at an impressive average of 22.47. Additionally, he showcased his prowess as a dangerous T20 hitter during this time.
After four successful seasons with Leicestershire, Raine decided to return to his roots and rejoin Durham County Cricket Club. The move proved to be fruitful as he quickly settled back into the squad, finishing the 2019 season with an impressive 54 Championship wickets, second only to the experienced Chris Rushworth. Raine also achieved his highest first-class scores during this period, reaffirming his versatility as an all-rounder.
Raine’s outstanding performances continued in subsequent seasons, culminating in Durham’s promotion campaign in 2023. During this campaign, no other player in Division Two surpassed Raine’s tally of 60 wickets, which he claimed at an average of 24.95. His exceptional efforts played a pivotal role in Durham’s return to the top-tier for the first time since 2016.
Throughout his career, Raine has also made significant contributions in limited-overs cricket. One memorable moment came in a T20 match against Warwickshire at Edgbaston, where he smashed a maiden century off just 41 balls. At the time, it was the second-fastest T20 hundred by an Englishman. Raine’s explosive innings of 113 included eight fours and ten sixes, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in white-ball cricket.
In addition to his domestic success, Raine had the honor of representing the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, further solidifying his reputation as a top-class all-rounder.
Benjamin Alexander Raine’s contributions within English cricket are immeasurable. His skill with both bat and ball, combined with his unwavering determination and combative spirit, continue to make him a prominent figure in the sport. As he looks towards the future, Raine undoubtedly has the potential to achieve even greater heights and further solidify his place among the cricketing elite.