Ben Stokes Photograph: (X)
England captain Ben Stokes has announced that he will retire from international cricket at the end of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, bringing an end to an extraordinary 15 year career.
The 35 year old all rounder revealed his decision during the match, with England confirming the news through an official statement. Stokes informed his teammates before the fourth day of the series decider, delivering an emotional message as England prepared for the final stretch of the Test.
Emotional Farewell on the Field
The announcement came while Stokes was in the middle of a bowling spell. In a remarkable twist, he struck with the very next delivery after his retirement became public, dismissing Zak Foulkes, who was caught at second slip.
Addressing his teammates, an emotional Stokes urged them to give everything over the remaining two days. He said the reasons behind his retirement could wait, but asked the squad to leave the field knowing they had given their absolute best for the team.
Stokes had missed the second Test following an incident at a London nightclub. Before returning to captain England in Nottingham, he had only hinted at leading the side “this week,” leaving questions about his future unanswered until now.
A Career That Defined an Era
Stokes retires as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers, having produced some of the country’s most unforgettable sporting moments. His unbeaten 84 in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final helped England lift the trophy for the first time, before his iconic 135 not out against Australia at Headingley weeks later became one of the greatest Ashes innings in history.
Those achievements earned him the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2019. Over his international career, Stokes played 122 Tests, including 44 as captain, along with 114 One Day Internationals and 43 T20 Internationals, playing a key role in England’s 2022 T20 World Cup triumph.
As England prepare to bid farewell to one of their finest all rounders, Stokes leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, match winning performances and unforgettable moments that will remain etched in cricket history.