Ben Stokes announces shock retirement from international cricket

NOTTINGHAM: England all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to bring the curtain down on his illustrious international career following the ongoing Test match against New Zealand.

Stokes, 35, remained an instrumental figure in England’s triumph in the 2019 World Cup and has been an inspirational leader since taking over the Test captaincy from Joe Root in 2022.

Ben Stokes retirement comes midway through the third Test against New Zealand, following the nightclub controversy involving him and pacer Gus Atkinson on 8 June. However, both were cleared by the England and Wales Cricket Board after receiving a warning.

The 2022 T20 World Cup winner also apologized before the final Test match of the series, stating that his main aim was to help England win the series.

Stokes made his ODI debut against Ireland in 2011 and earned a Test cap against Australia in the Ashes series in 2013.

He overcame the disappointment of the 2016 T20 final, where he conceded four consecutive sixes off Carlos Brathwaite, before inspiring England to victory in the 2019 50-over World Cup final against New Zealand. His unbeaten 135 in the Headingley Ashes Test is widely regarded as one of the greatest innings in cricket history.

Retirement From International Cricket

ECB Chair Richard Thompson confirmed Ben Stokes retirement in a statement.

“Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation,” he said.

“His performances under pressure, his relentless competitiveness, and his ability to produce the extraordinary when it matters most have given me and millions of other fans memories that will endure forever,” he added.

He lauded the Three Lions skipper’s role in the 2019 World Cup win and the Ashes heroics at Headingley.

“Whether inspiring victory in the biggest moments – not least driving England to World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022 and his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley – or leading the Test team with courage and conviction, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket.”

“Beyond his remarkable achievements on the field, his performances have inspired many youngsters to embrace cricket with positivity and belief. We are losing a batsman, a bowler, a captain and a talisman. On behalf of the ECB, I want to thank Ben for everything he has given to our sport and wish him and his family every success and happiness for the future,” he concluded.