England captain Ben Stokes to RETIRE from international cricket at end of third Test against New Zealand – just weeks after Chelsea nightclub incident
England captain Ben Stokes is playing his last Test match after deciding to retire from International cricket.
Stokes opted to relinquish England’s four-year lead at the end of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
The bombshell news comes just days after the 35-year-old, who missed the 253-run defeat at the Oval while under investigation by the Cricket Regulator and the ECB for an incident that occurred at midnight following the first Test victory at Lord’s, returned to lead the team.
Stokes announced his decision to take a break from his 15-year England career before joining the team on the fourth day.
On the eve of this match, he refused to look beyond this series-defining contest, saying his entire focus was on this 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 performance under pressure, relentless competitiveness and ability to produce extraordinary things in the moments that mattered have given me and millions of other fans memories that will last forever,” ECB chairman Richard Thompson said.
Ben Stokes has informed his England teammates that he will retire from international cricket after the fourth test against New Zealand.
Stokes applauded after making his announcement before kick-off at Trent Bridge
Whether it was inspiring triumph at the biggest moments (notably leading England to World Cup victories in 2019 and 2022 and the heroic Ashes innings at Headingley) or leading the Test team with courage and belief, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket.
‘Beyond his remarkable achievements on the field, his performances have inspired many young people to embrace cricket with positivity and belief. We lose a batsman, a bowler, a captain and a talisman.
‘On behalf of the ECB, I would like to thank Ben for everything he has given to our sport and wish him and his family every success and happiness in the future.’
More to follow.
