Ben Stokes announces international retirement amid 3rd Test vs New Zealand

The ongoing third Test between England and New Zealand is going to be Ben Stokes' last assignment in internationals. The legendary all-rounder announced his retirement from international cricket on Day 4 of the Test.

When Stokes was in the middle of a bowling spell at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Sunday, June 28, a statement confirming his intention to draw the curtains down on a 15-year international career was released.

“Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England's greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation. 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," Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, said in a statement.
 
“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," he added.

Stokes, who played an instrumental role in England's first-ever ODI World Cup triumph in 2019, took up the leadership role in the England team from Joe Root in 2022. The Canterbury-born formed an iconic partnership with head coach Brendon McCullum as they introduced the cricket fraternity to an ultra-aggressive form of Test match cricket, popularly called 'Bazball'.

Stokes was part of an unpleasant incident in a London nightclub after the first Test. He missed the next one as a repercussion for violating the England team's midnight curfew.

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Reason can wait: Ben Stokes on his decision to retire

Ahead of the start of Day 4 of the third Test, Stokes informed his teammates about his decision to retire. He mentioned that reasons can wait and urged his players to give everything they have in the tank in the last two days of the Test match and help England seal the series.

"The 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. The only thing that I ask, please, is can everyone do the same," Stokes told his teammates in the dressing room.
 
"We've got a lot of hard work to do and the only thing I want is to be able to walk off that field, regardless of the result, knowing that I've had this group give everything for the last two days. That's the only thing I want, for everyone to give it not only for me, selfishly, but also for this team. I've got the emotional side out of it. Now it's time to go to work. Please, everyone else come with me," he added.