Ben Stokes retires: England will miss more than just the player, says former captain Michael Vaughan

Former captain Michael Vaughan says England will need to replace Ben Stokes and one of their “best” players as they move forward.

The announcement of Stokes’ surprise retirement came on the fourth day of the third round, deciding the outcome of the upcoming test against New Zealand, which would be his last.

Stokes, 35, missed the second Test after an incident at a London nightclub; England suffered a heavy defeat at the Oval. Vaughan said it gave a glimpse of the “hole” the all-rounder would leave on the sidelines.

“England need to move on now; it’s hard to say when it’s just happened,” Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special.

“But they need to look at how they build a team without Ben Stokes and it’s not just about the player, it’s about the personality.

“He has a winning mentality and when the pressure is on I see him as one of the best in England.”

Stokes was allowed to return as captain for the third Test at Trent Bridge, where he told his teammates of his decision to retire before play started on day four.

After the news became public at 15:25 BST, Stokes took a wicket with the next ball he bowled – Zak Foulkes was caught at second slip as England looked to combat New Zealand moving into an even more dominant position after lunch.

Vaughan said the moment illustrated the challenge England face in replacing their talismanic all-rounder and leader.

“It was an instant reminder of what England would be missing,” Vaughan added.

“That’s exactly why he’s an England great. I didn’t see this coming.” [his retirement]but I saw the wicket coming because he’s been doing that his whole career.

“Whenever England has needed something, it has always delivered.”