Last Updated on 53 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
In incredible news, Ben Stokes announced to his teammates that he will retire from international cricket. The news filtered through Trent Bridge at 3:25pm local time on Sunday afternoon, with the crowd standing as one to celebrate what has been a magnificent career. In true Stokes fashion, he took a wicket off the very next ball.
According to reports, Stokes informed his team on the morning of the fourth day of the third Test against New Zealand. The England captain ran in for over after over in a hard-fought contest against Daryl Mitchell in particular, sending down 25 overs and bowling constantly since lunch.
“It’s weirdly emotional,” said Chris Woakes on Sky Sports during the tea break. “He leaves every last ounce on the field.”
Ben Stokes retires – “reasons can wait as to why”
Stokes retires with 279 England caps across formats, including 122 Test matches. He is one of two cricketers – alongside Jacques Kallis – to score 7,000 runs and take 250 wickets in Test cricket.
The ECB released a video of Stokes announcing his decision to his teammates. “There’s something that I know is going to happen over the next 2 days, which is going to be, this is my last 2 days as your captain and my last 2 days as representing England,” Stokes said.
“Reasons can wait why, 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.”
His decision comes after weeks of speculation regarding his future following the nightclub saga. He and Gus Atkinson were left out of the England XI for the second Test at The Oval, with multiple reports suggesting the end could be near for one of England’s finest players. Investigations by The Cricket Regulator cleared Stokes of any wrongdoing.
Stokes’ decision leaves England in a pickle. They handed the role of captain to Joe Root for the second Test, but it was only on a temporary basis. Harry Brook is the vice-captain, but his eventful and controversy-filled winter saw him overlooked.
The summer of 2019 goes down as the peak of Stokes, along with other memorable moments throughout a glittering career. His Headingley classic goes down in history, as did his efforts in the 2019 World Cup. Also, after heartbreak at the 2016 T20 World Cup, Stokes led England to the title six years later in Australia.
