Ben Stokes, the England cricket captain, announced his shock retirement from international cricket on Sunday, bringing an end to a 15-year career that spanned 278 matches. The all-rounder, 35, informed his teammates at Trent Bridge before a one-day international, where he later took a wicket and received a guard of honour.
Early Promise and Test Debut
Stokes first made headlines at the Under-19 World Cup, where he won man of the match after scoring a century against India. He made his Test debut in Adelaide in 2013, bowling against Australia during the Ashes tour. His first Ashes series in 2015 saw him receive a send-off from Mitchell Starc in Cardiff, but he ultimately celebrated winning the urn at The Oval alongside Joe Root.
World Cup Glory and Iconic Moments
Stokes played a pivotal role in England's 2019 Cricket World Cup triumph. His spectacular catch to dismiss South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo at The Oval set the tone. In the final against New Zealand at Lord's, his bat deflected the ball for four overthrows, a controversial moment that helped England tie the match and eventually win on boundaries. He lifted the trophy at Lord's later that day.
Later that year, Stokes produced one of the greatest innings in Ashes history at Headingley, scoring 135 not out to chase down 359 against Australia. The image of him hitting the winning runs became iconic. Exhausted in the dressing room, he had single-handedly kept the series alive.
Captaincy and T20 World Cup Triumph
Stokes was appointed England captain in 2022 and led the team to victory in the Twenty20 World Cup that year, defeating Pakistan in Melbourne. He celebrated by holding the trophy aloft and later received his OBE at Buckingham Palace in 2020.
Retirement and Farewell
Stokes announced his retirement to teammates at Trent Bridge, moments before taking the wicket of Zak Foulkes. He was mobbed by his teammates and received a guard of honour as he walked out for the final session of his international career. According to the England and Wales Cricket Board, Stokes retires as one of the greatest all-rounders in the game's history.
