Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, has retired from all forms of international cricket midway through the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The announcement came towards the fag end of the second session on the third day’s play in Nottingham and during Stokes’ marathon 11-over spell.
Ben Stokes announces retirement
The all-rounder was reportedly mulling retirement after he was under investigation for breaching the midnight curfew protocol. However, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) didn’t punish Stokes and Gus Atkinson barring that 1-match suspension. Subsequently, he returned as captain and led the team in the England vs New Zealand 3rd Test.
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, 2026One assumed that the retirement chat was nothing about speculation. However, it turns out that isn’t true. Either before the day’s play or after the first session was over, Stokes addressed his teammates to announce his retirement from international cricket.
Although the 35-year-old hadn’t played ODIs since November 2023 and T20Is since November 22, he hadn’t announced his retirement from white-ball cricket. The move was made to prioritise Test cricket, but he’s decided to hang up his boots just two days after becoming the second player, after Jacques Kallis, to score 7,000 runs and take 250 wickets in the format.
Stokes didn’t spell out why he’s deciding to retire now, but one can assume that the ECB’s managing director of cricket, Rob Key, and England head coach Brendon McCullum’s decision not to back him during his investigation could have played a major role. Perhaps the trust was broken, and Stokes decided to leave on his own terms.
The move seems rather shocking since the Ashes 2027 aren’t far away, and Stokes as captain would’ve been England’s best chance to win the urn since 2015. Now, the ECB will have to look for his replacement. One can’t forget that Harry Brook wasn’t picked as interim captain despite being deputy to Stokes due to his own nightclub incident last year.
Ben Stokes retires from international cricket midway through ENG vs NZ 3rd Test Inside Sport India.
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