Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket with England at the end of their series with New Zealand.
Stokes goes down as one of the finest cricketers to have ever played for England, and will feature in his final match at Trent Bridge.
Stokes’ incredible career saw him win the World Cup in 2019, with him currently playing in his 122nd Test.
The announcement came while Stokes was bowling at Trent Bridge when a statement confirmed his intentions to retire.
Quite fittingly, Stokes immediately took a wicket with his first delivery once the news was made public.
The 35-year-old missed England’s second Test following an incident he was involved in at a London nightclub.
Stokes’ language raised eyebrows about his future, only referring to leading the team “this week”.
The all-rounder let his teammates know of his decision ahead of the fourth day of their deciding Test against New Zealand.
Ben Stokes is set to retire from international cricket
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REUTERS
Emotionally, Stokes said: “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.
Stokes played internationally with England for 15 years
| PA
“I’ve got the emotional side out of it. Now it’s time to go to work. Please, everyone else come with me.”
England Cricket paid tribute to Stokes’ brilliant 15-year career, writing on social media: “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.”
Stokes’ career includes some of the most memorable in cricket history.
Stokes goes down as one of the best cricketers in England’s history
| REUTERS
The all-rounder’s incredible 84 helped England win the World Cup in the summer of 2019 for the first time in their history.
Less than a couple of months later, Stokes was on hand to defeat Australia in the third Ashes Test at Headingly, scoring a sensational 135 not out.
Stokes’ stats back up his status as one of the best all-rounders to play Test cricket.
His career saw him achieve a staggering 7,243 runs and 251 wickets, with only legends Sir Garfield Sobers of the West Indies and Jacques Kallis from South Africa matching the double.
Stokes also holds the record for most sixes in Test cricket with 136.
The 35-year-old goes down as one of the best cricketers in England’s history and will be renowned for his skill and captaincy.
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