Cricket-England test captain Stokes to retire from international cricket
Ben Stokes' International Cricket Career and Legacy
NOTTINGHAM, England, June 28 (Reuters) - England test captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the current test against New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on a career that included the 2019 World Cup triumph and one of the most celebrated Ashes innings of the modern era at Headingley the same year.
Announcement and Immediate Reaction
When the news was announced at Trent Bridge it drew a standing ovation from the crowd, and Stokes, playing in his 122nd test, took a wicket with his first ball afterwards.
Stokes' Cricketing Journey
The 35-year-old, who made his international debut in 2011, has captained England's test team since 2022.
Key Achievements and Iconic Moments
A talismanic figure known for his fearless batting and defiant leadership, Stokes helped England win their first 50-over World Cup seven years ago with an unbeaten 84 in the final.
His unbeaten 135 at Headingley the same summer, which guided England to a one-wicket win over Australia after they had been bowled out for 67 in the first innings, is widely regarded as one of the greatest test innings of all time.
Tributes and Statements
"We are losing a batsman, a bowler, a captain and a talisman," said ECB chair Richard Thompson in a statement.
"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."
Controversies and Challenges
Recent Incidents
Stokes had been dropped from the second test against New Zealand earlier this month amid an investigation into a nightclub incident where he and teammate Gus Atkinson were alleged to have broken curfew. He was later cleared to return to the side.
2017 Bristol Nightclub Incident
In 2017, Stokes was arrested over a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub and was indefinitely suspended by the ECB. His court appearances were followed closely in the media, and he eventually accepted a misconduct charge and returned to cricket in February 2018.
On-field Influence and Leadership
Implementing "Bazball" and Cultural Reset
Despite the off-field controversies, Stokes has also had a huge on-field influence, helping implement a cultural reset in the England team, partnering with coach Brendan McCullum to introduce an aggressive brand of cricket quickly nicknamed "Bazball."
Notable Victories and Performances
Adopting this swashbuckling approach, England in 2022 chased down a record target of 378 against India in just 76.2 overs and swept a series 3-0 against reigning world test champions New Zealand.
The same year, Stokes delivered a player-of-the-match performance at the T20 World Cup final to help England win the tournament for the second time.
Legacy and Farewell
"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," said ECB chief executive Richard Gould.
(Writing by Chiranjit Ojha and Hugh Lawson; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
