As the crowd watching Ben Stokes bowl learned he was going to be retiring soon, a massive wave of applause went around Trent Bridge
England cricket captain Ben Stokes has announced he is retiring midway through a match.
The Durham star, one of the finest all-rounders to ever play the game, was in the middle of a bowling spell at Trent Bridge when a statement was released. It confirmed Stokes intends to end his 15-year international career. As the news spread through the crowd, Stokes took a wicket and dismissed Zak Foulkes, after he was caught by vice-captain Harry Brook at second slip.
The crowd erupted into applause soon after. The 35-year-old captain missed England’s second Test after being involved in an incident in a London nightclub.
Stokes told his team mates of his decision before the fourth game of the deciding Test against the Black Caps.
In the England dressing room, Stokes said: “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.
“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 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.
“The only thing I want is just for everyone to give it everything, not only for me selfishly, but also for the team and everything else that we’ve got going forward for you blokes.
“All the taps on the behind, all the emotion, all that kind of stuff – please can we just wait for the end of the game because we’ve still got a load of work to do and I’ve got a load more work that I want to do.
“Let’s just go out there and give absolutely everything for another two days, alright? That’s my only intention and that’s where all my energy is right now. Got the emotional side out of the way but now it’s time to go to work and everyone else please just come with me.”
Shortly before the tea break, a statement from the ECB was released, which reads: “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.”