England captain Ben Stokes announced on Sunday that he will retire from international cricket after the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, ending a 15-year international career.
England Cricket confirmed that the 35-year-old would step away after the conclusion of the Test, according to The Times of India. The report said the announcement came while Stokes was in the middle of a bowling spell.
Stokes told England teammates before the fourth day in Nottingham
Stokes informed England teammates of his decision before the start of the fourth day of the deciding Test against New Zealand. The match is being played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
Stokes had missed England’s second Test after being involved in an incident at a London nightclub. Before returning to lead England in Nottingham, Stokes had referred only to captaining the team “this week.”
The England captain asked the dressing room for one final effort
Stokes told the dressing room: “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.”
Stokes added: “The only that I ask, please, is can everyone do the same.” The England captain said he wanted to walk off the field, regardless of the result, knowing the group had given everything for the last two days.
Supplemental editorial cricket visual for Ben Stokes to retire from international cricket after Trent Bridge Test.
Stokes also told teammates: “I’ve got the emotional side out of it. Now it’s time to go to work. Please, everyone else come with me.”
The report did not give Stokes’ full reasons for the decision
The source report did not provide a detailed explanation from Stokes for the retirement call. Stokes told teammates that the reasons could wait, with England still playing the deciding Test against New Zealand.
The 2019 World Cup final and Headingley innings frame the career summary
Stokes’ international career included major England moments highlighted in the report. In the summer of 2019, Stokes scored 84 as England defeated New Zealand to win the ODI World Cup for the first time.
Six weeks later, Stokes made an unbeaten 135 at Headingley as England beat Australia by one wicket in an Ashes Test, keeping that series alive.
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