TRENT BRIDGE — In a shock development that will rock English cricket, Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket during the ongoing deciding Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
A statement from the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) dropped 23 minutes before tea on day four of the match as the hosts were struggling to bowl out New Zealand – and facing what looks like a certain defeat given the hosts will be chasing in excess of 300 on a difficult Trent Bridge pitch.
It comes after weeks of turmoil following Stokes’ curfew-breaking night out at Chelsea’s Rex Rooms in which he came close to announcing his retirement after the ECB took a firm stance against him.
However, he came back for Trent Bridge after being suspended for the second Test at The Oval – but refused to commit his future beyond this final Test.
Stokes was still in the field when the news was announced to the Nottingham crowd (Photo: Reuters)An ECB statement said: “[Stokes’s retirement] will bring to a close an international career which began with the white ball teams in 2011, before making his Test debut in December 2013 at Adelaide during the Ashes. He has captained the Test side since April 2022.
“Stokes, an inspirational leader, has been at the heart of many of England’s most dramatic moments during his time in the team.
“His unbeaten 84 in the 2019 World Cup final helped take the match against New Zealand to a super over in which England triumphed, while weeks later his sensational 135 not out at Headingley dragged England from apparent defeat to victory in the Third Ashes Test in one of the team’s greatest wins. A brutal 258 in Cape Town in 2016 was his highest Test score.”
‘We love you Stokesy, we do’
As the news filtered around Trent Bridge, huge spontaneous applause erupted around Trent Bridge as England’s captain took the ball for the start of his 24th over of the innings. As if written to script, he took the edge of Zak Foulkes as New Zealand lost their eighth wicket.
Then came a chorus from the crowd of “We love you Stokesy we do, we love you Stokesy we do, we love you Stokesy we do, oh Stokesy we love you.”
It is understood Stokes is still upset at the hardline stance taken against him by senior figures at the ECB in particular.
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, 2026Richard Thompson, ECB chair, said: “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.
“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.”
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Chris Stocks: Ben Stokes deserved so much better than this Richard Edwards: Surrey, Hampshire and Derbyshire eye deals for Sussex starsRichard Gould, ECB chief executive officer, said: “Ben Stokes has made an immeasurable contribution to English cricket, not only through his exceptional skill as one of the world’s finest all-rounders, but through the commitment, resilience and passion he has demonstrated throughout his international career.
“His influence has extended far beyond statistics – inspiring teammates, supporters and young cricketers around the world through his leadership and unwavering desire to win. We are enormously grateful for his service to England and congratulate him on an extraordinary international career. His contribution to the game will be celebrated for many years to come.”
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