The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released an official statement during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, confirming that captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the match. The announcement came while Stokes was in the middle of a bowling spell in New Zealand's second innings.
ECB Statement and Emotional Dressing Room Address
The ECB statement read: "One of England's all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match. Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for. We love you so much and wish you all the best in your retirement. England will never be the same again."
In an accompanying video, a visibly emotional Stokes addressed his teammates: "There's something that I know is going to happen over the next two days which is going to be that this is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England. Reasons can wait, but I've had many trips to the well before for this team... I've got one more trip to do." He urged his teammates to give their all for the remaining two days.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Stokes has played 122 Test matches, amassing over 7,000 runs and taking more than 250 wickets. He is one of only a few players to achieve both milestones. His career includes iconic moments such as scoring 84 in the 2019 World Cup final and an unforgettable 135 not out against Australia, widely regarded as one of the greatest innings in cricket history.
The 35-year-old has been England's captain for the past four years under head coach Brendan McCullum. However, he was stripped of the captaincy for the second Test against New Zealand after a nightclub incident involving a Saracens academy player, following an Ashes defeat and a curfew breach. The ECB later confirmed no further action would be taken.
Reaction from Former Players
Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed shock on Test Match Special: "I can't believe it. I'm absolutely stunned. Clearly, the incident hasn't helped and relationships have been fractured in some nature. I need time to take that in."
The Trent Bridge crowd gave Stokes a standing ovation as he continued bowling, and moments later he took the wicket of Zak Foulkes. Stokes will retire at the end of the Test, marking the end of a 15-year international career.
