Ben Stokes has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, bringing a sudden end to a 15-year England career that spanned 278 matches and included some of the most memorable moments in the sport's history.
A glittering career from the start
Stokes's journey began at the Under-19 World Cup, where he scored a century against India and earned the man-of-the-match award. He made his Test debut in Adelaide in 2013, taking a wicket with his first ball. His first Ashes tour followed later that year, with Stokes posing with the squad at Lord's before departure.
In 2015, Stokes played a key role in England's Ashes victory, celebrating with Joe Root at the Oval after winning the series. He continued to impress with his all-round abilities, jumping for joy after dismissing South Africa's Dean Elgar at Newlands in 2016 and running out Sri Lanka's Lahiru Thirimanne at the World Twenty20 in 2016.
Iconic moments and World Cup glory
Stokes's career reached its peak in 2019. During the third Ashes Test at Headingley, he took a blow to the helmet but went on to hit the winning runs in an extraordinary innings, creating an iconic image as he raised his bat. Later that year, he lifted the Cricket World Cup at Lord's after a dramatic final against New Zealand.
His heroics at Headingley left him exhausted in the dressing room, a moment captured by photographers. Stokes was awarded an OBE in 2020, receiving the honour at Buckingham Palace.
Captaincy and T20 World Cup triumph
Stokes led England to victory in the Twenty20 World Cup in 2022, celebrating with the trophy after the final against Pakistan in Melbourne. He held the trophy aloft in a moment of triumph. However, his retirement announcement came as a shock to teammates at Trent Bridge, where he received a guard of honour as he walked out for his final session as an England player.
Moments after the news broke, Stokes took the wicket of Zak Foulkes and wheeled away in delight. He was mobbed by his teammates and later wore his England blazer on the first day of the series against New Zealand at Lord's.
A legacy of passion and commitment
According to the England and Wales Cricket Board, Stokes's retirement marks the end of an era. His career was defined by passion, resilience, and match-winning performances. From his early days in youth cricket to leading England to World Cup glory, Stokes leaves an indelible mark on the game.
