England captain Ben Stokes is playing his final Test match after deciding to retire from International cricket.
Stokes has chosen to walk away from four years leading England at the end of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
The bombshell news comes only days after the 35-year-old returned to lead the team, having missed the 253-run defeat at the Oval while under investigation by the Cricket Regulator and ECB for a post-midnight incident in the aftermath of first Test victory at Lord’s.
Stokes told the team of his decision to call time on a 15-year England career before play on the fourth day.
On the eve of this match, he refused to look beyond this series-deciding contest, saying that all his focus was on this particular week.
‘Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation. 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,’ said ECB chair Richard Thompson.
‘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.’
More to follow.
