Ben Stokes marked his retirement from international cricket in extraordinary fashion, taking a wicket with his first ball after the announcement and then scoring a manic 30 in his final innings on day four of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Stokes takes wicket moments after retirement news
Ten minutes before tea, as Stokes prepared to bowl the 11th over of a marathon spell, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced his retirement, effective at the end of the match. The crowd rose for a standing ovation, and Stokes responded by dismissing Zak Foulkes with his first delivery, caught by Harry Brook at second slip. Pandemonium ensued as Stokes celebrated with teammates.
Stokes had informed his teammates before play, and a video released by the ECB showed him telling them, with Jacob Bethell looking stunned. He urged them to join him for one last push, adding that “the reasons [for it] can wait”.
New Zealand dominate despite Mitchell's century
New Zealand declared on 288 for nine, led by Daryl Mitchell’s gritty unbeaten 100. England were set 373 to win. Stokes opened the batting and scored 30 from 20 balls, with two fours and two sixes, before holing out to Mitchell at mid-wicket off Foulkes. Jacob Bethell fell lbw fourth ball, Brook made 21 from nine, and Joe Root pulled out his ramp shot. At stumps, England were 103 for four, with Root and Emilio Gay at the crease.
Stokes' retirement reflects tensions with ECB
Stokes, 35, cited the toll of the Ashes and disciplinary issues. After the first Test win at Lord's, Stokes went out with teammates, leading to a clash with a Saracens rugby player that injured an ECB security guard. The ECB's punishment was harsher than for similar incidents involving Brook, leaving Stokes questioning his future. His retirement follows a career of highs on the field and combustible moments off it.
Stokes retired from ODI cricket in 2022 but reversed it a year later. He will continue playing for Durham, leaving open the possibility of an Ashes return. As he said: “It has never been simple with me.”
