Ben Stokes retires from international cricket following nightclub incident

Ben Stokes’ retirement from England international duty has been confirmed.

The 35-year-old will walk away from the international scene after the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

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The decision comes weeks after he was involved in a nightclub incident alongside Gus Atkinson involving an ECB security guard and a Saracens rugby player.

“Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation,” ECB chair Richard Thompson said.

“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.”

ECB chief executive Richard Gould added: “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.”

End of an era

Stokes steps down as England captain after four years, taking over from Joe Root in 2022 under new coach Brendon McCullum.

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He and McCullum would go on to create ‘Bazball’, which has been used to describe their positive, more risky approach ever since.

Bazball didn’t always work out, take last year’s Ashes for example – but Stokes still managed to achieve a good amount as skipper.

The Christchurch-born all-rounder starred as his nation won the T20 World Cup in 2022, scoring a half-century in the final.

Last year, Stokes also became the first England captain ever to take five wickets and hit a century in the same Test match.

Injuries have hampered his career recently, but he extended his central contract through to 2027 in November.

Stokes’ decision brings an end to his 15-year spell representing his country at the top level.

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He made his ODI debut in 2011 and Test debut in 2013, with his potential final Test now being the win over New Zealand.

In total, he has played 121 Test matches so far for England, scoring 7228 runs, placing him 12th in the all-time scoring charts, while he’s also inside the top 20 of all-time for ODI runs too.

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