England captain Ben Stokes to retire from international cricket | Cricket | Sport
Ben Stokes is retiring from international cricket (Image: Getty Images)
England captain Ben Stokes is retiring from international cricket. The 35-year-old has called time on his career at the top level of the international game.
The news broke during the fourth day of England‘s test match against New Zealand at Trent Bridge and just moments before getting the wicket of Zak Foulkes, with Harry Brook taking the catch at second slip.
Stokes told the England team on Sunday morning before day four began and was met with a round of applause from his players.
“There’s something that I know is going to happen over the next two days which is going to be that this is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England,” he said to his shocked players, with Jacob Bethell left stunned.
“Reasons can wait, (in terms of) why, but I’ve had many trips to the well before for this team, for you boys and for people beforehand. And I’ve got one more trip to do.
“And the only thing that I ask please, is that everyone please does the same. We’ve got a lot of hard work still to do and the only thing that I want is to be able to walk off that field, regardless of the result, knowing that I’ve had this group of men – and one lady – give everything for the last two days.
“The only thing I want is just for everyone to give it everything, not only for me selfishly, but also for the team and everything else that we’ve got going forward for you blokes.
“All the taps on the behind, all the emotion, all that kind of stuff – please can we just wait for the end of the game because we’ve still got a load of work to do and I’ve got a load more work that I want to do.
“Let’s just go out there and give absolutely everything for another two days, alright? That’s my only intention and that’s where all my energy is right now. Got the emotional side out of the way but now it’s time to go to work and everyone else please just come with me.”
Ben Stokes speaks to his England players (Image: Sky Sports)
The decision comes after intense scrutiny on the Durham star after he was dropped, along with Gus Atkinson, for the second test of the three-match series against New Zealand held at the Oval earlier this month.
He returned for the third test and inspired England in New Zealand’s first innings with figures of 4-70. England will hope now that the shock timing of the announcement will help them to a win in Nottinghamshire.
“Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation,” ECB chair Richard Thompon 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.
“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.”
