Ben Stokes announces retirement from international cricket after third New Zealand Test - 'England will never be the same again'
Updated 28/06/2026 at 20:42 GMT+1
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England captain Ben Stokes has made the shock announcement that he will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Monday, with the ECB hailing the all-rounder as one of the country's greatest skippers.
‘I have a ruthless side’ - Stokes eager for England to bounce back from Ashes loss
Video credit: TNT Sports
Stokes told his England team-mates of his decision before the fourth day's play in the Trent Bridge Test.
A statement confirming that this would be Stokes' final Test was released during the afternoon session.
"There’s something that I know is going to happen over the next two days which is going to be that this is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England," Stokes said in a video shared by the ECB on social media.
"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.
"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."
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board read: "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 all the best in your retirement.
"England will never be the same again."
It has already been a dramatic summer for Stokes. The 35-year-old missed England's second Test after an incident in a London nightclub.
Now comes the stunning news that he will not play for England again after this Test.
Stokes will go down as one of England's true cricketing greats, with exploits like his matchwinning Ashes innings against Australia at Headingley in 2019 being part of folklore.
He was also part of the England team that won the 2019 World Cup with a thrilling victory over New Zealand at Lord's.
Stokes has played 122 Tests for England, 44 of them as captain. He also played 114 one-day internationals and 43 T20s.
Stokes bows out after opening the batting
Typically of Stokes, he took a wicket moments after the news broke on Sunday, having Zak Foulkes caught by Harry Brook at second slip.
He was then given a guard of honour as the players emerged following the tea interval.
And when New Zealand declared in their second innings, leaving England 373 to win, Stokes came out to open the batting.
Stokes smashed a quickfire 30 off just 20 balls - with two fours and two sixes - before he was out, caught by Daryl Mitchell at mid-on off the bowling of Foulkes.
The crowd cheered his every move vociferously and the scenes on Monday - with free entry for supporters - will no doubt be memorable too.
England finished the fourth day on 103-4, needing 269 more runs to win.
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