England Test captain Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from all international cricket, effective at the end of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The 35-year-old all-rounder informed his teammates before the start of play on Sunday, with the news breaking while England were in the field.
Stokes Takes Wicket Amid Retirement News
Stokes, ever the man for the big occasion, dismissed Zak Foulkes with the first delivery after the announcement. He had been bowling an extended spell in an effort to swing the game his team's way. The wicket came as Stokes laboured through his trademark aggressive bowling, a fitting end to his international career.
Background to the Retirement
Stokes missed the second Test of the series while the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) investigated his extended celebrations after England's victory at Lord's in the opening match. He was subsequently exonerated. Joe Root, his predecessor as permanent captain, stepped in for that game but has downplayed any chance of a full-time return to the role.
This Test will be followed by a seven-week break for England's red-ball side before a three-match series against Pakistan in August. A replacement captain will be identified during that period.
Stokes' Career Highlights
Stokes made his Test debut in Adelaide during the 2013-14 Ashes. He is playing his 122nd Test, placing him sixth on England's all-time list, and his 279th international appearance. He was a key member of England's 2019 50-over World Cup-winning team and the T20 World Cup-winning side in 2022.
Emotional Farewell to Teammates
In a speech recorded by the ECB, Stokes told his teammates: "There's something that I know is going to happen over the next two days, which is that this is my last two days as your captain, my last two days representing England. Reasons can wait. But I've had many trips to the well before for this team, for you blokes, for people beforehand, and I've got one more trip to do. And the only thing I ask is can everyone please just be the same."
He added: "We've got a lot of hard work still to do, and the only thing I want is to be able to walk off that field regardless of the result knowing that I've had this group of men, and one lady, do everything for the last two days. It's the only thing I want, just for everyone to give it not only for me selfishly but also for this team. So let's just go out there and give everything for another two days. Now it's time to go to work and can everyone else please just come with me."
Tributes from England Cricket
On social media, England Cricket posted: "One of England's all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match." The post continued: "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."
