New Delhi: England captain Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket. With this came to an end one of England’s most brilliant modern careers. Stokes will bid farewell to the field after the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Gave information to colleagues on the fourth day of Trent Bridge Test
Stokes informed the team about his decision before the start of play on the fourth day. Later the ECB also confirmed this. He started his career with the England white-ball team in 2011. Made his Test debut in Adelaide Ashes in 2013.
ECB Chairman said: One of the greatest cricketers
ECB Chairman Richard Thompson said, "Ben Stokes is leaving as one of England’s greatest cricketers and the most important player of his generation. His performance under pressure, never-say-die spirit and ability to perform on big occasions have given fans memories that will last forever."
One of England’s all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match.
Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for.
We love you so much and wish you… pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026
He said, "Be it winning the World Cup in 2019 and 2022 or that Ashes innings at Headingley, Ben has been a magical player in English cricket. Captaining the Test team with courage and confidence was also his hallmark."
Father of baseball era, gave new life to test cricket
Stokes, who has been Test captain since April 2022, has a legacy bigger than statistics. Along with head coach Brendon McCullum, he taught England to play aggressive cricket. Under his captaincy, the fortunes of the team changed and the ‘Baseball’ era began, which breathed new life into Test cricket.
Memorable innings on the biggest stage
By scoring an unbeaten 84 against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup final, he took England to the Super Over and won the trophy for the first time. A few weeks later, he scored an unbeaten 135 runs against Australia at Headingley and won the Ashes by one wicket.
His highest score in Test was 258 runs against South Africa in Cape Town in 2016. His ability to win matches with both bat and ball made him the biggest match-winner. Despite hamstring and shoulder injuries, he came back again and again and inspired the team.
Fearless captaincy changed the style of England
Stokes changed the perspective of Test cricket as soon as he became captain after Joe Root. Fearless batting, aggressive innings declaration and courageous decisions became his identity. His captaincy instilled confidence in the dressing room and made England the most exciting team in the world.
Stokes leaves the legacy of a Cup winner, Ashes hero and inspirational captain as he bids farewell to the jersey at Trent Bridge. His retirement ended an era in English cricket, but his fearless approach to the game will leave an impact for years.
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