End of an era sees Ben Stokes try to end England career in blaze of glory against New Zealand
BRENDON McCULLUM paid tribute to Ben Stokes after his retirement announcement, hailing the all-rounder’s impact on the game and the unforgettable moments he has delivered for England during his international career.
The 35-year-old England captain stunned the cricketing world with the mid-match announcement that he would walk away after the third Test against New Zealand, before taking a perfectly-timed farewell wicket as the Trent Bridge crowd digested the news.
Head coach McCullum said: “Ben’s contribution to the game transcends cricket. He’s one of those players that each time he stepped into the arena, his energy and determination meant he had the potential to change the course of the match.
“For fans, Stokesy has provided some of the greatest moments of cricket that England has ever seen.
“For young players, he’s been a legend that inspires them to pick up a bat, to play with heart and bravery, and to give absolutely everything for his team.
“And for me, the last four years have been an incredible journey. While his time as our skipper has come to an end, he will always be a great friend.
“May the next chapter for Ben Stokes, be as great as the last.”
On a jaw-dropping fourth day of the series decider at Trent Bridge, a statement dropped at 3.25pm announcing that one of the most celebrated, storied and successful players of his generation would be walking away for good at the end of the match.
Defeat in his 122nd and last Test outing seems certain – England thrashing their way to 103-4 chasing 373 – but Stokes’ dramatic goodbye demanded top billing.
As the shock news filtered through the crowd in Nottingham, the stadium rose as one to give the departing Testcaptain a spontaneous standing ovation – just as the 35-year-old was ready to start the 11th over of a trademark mammoth bowling spell.
With a true showman’s timing, Stokes did the unthinkable with his very next delivery – taking Zak Foulkes’ edge and sealing a dismissal that earned an instant place in his stacked pantheon of unforgettable moments. The crowd erupted in celebration, while his team-mates engulfed him in their own private retirement party.
He was cheered to the rafters as he walked off for tea and was last to return to the pitch for the evening, with the rest of the England side and New Zealand’s not-out batters giving him a guard of honour.
When New Zealand finally declared on 288-9, leaving a massive target on an unreliable pitch, Stokes had one last surprise up his sleeve. He moved himself up the order, from No 7 to opener, indulging a final act of ‘Bazball’ hubris as the chapter closed.
He batted manically for 20 balls, launching two big sixes to delight his public but also swinging wildly as he wheeled through a repertoire that included reverse sweeps and ramps. The music stopped on 30 when he dragged Foulkes to midwicket, momentarily chastising himself before accepting handshakes from his opponents and taking in another burst of acclaim from the stands.
There would be no repeat of his Headingley miracle from the 2019 Ashes, or his match-winning turn in another seemingly doomed chase in that summer’s World Cup final. This time, Stokes had run out of road.
The end of Stokes’ era comes exactly three weeks after the nightclub visit that plunged England into turmoil and cast his own future into doubt. After a disciplinary investigation, he and Gus Atkinson were handed a written conduct warning by the England and Wales Cricket Board for breaching “specific contractual obligations” but were effectively cleared of anything more than being out in the early hours following a Test victory at Lord’s.
Stokes informed the England team and entourage of his decision in a passionate dressing room address before the start of play, imploring them to come with him on one final ride in the Test arena.
The England and Wales Cricket Board shared a clip showing the moment Stokes broke the news to his colleagues, with the skipper holding court as an open-mouthed Jacob Bethell watched on in disbelief.
Rob Key, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s managing director of cricket, reflected on the privilege of having worked so closely with “one of the best leaders in British sport”.
He said: “From smashing Kent round in 2011, to going on to become one of the best cricketers the game has seen, it’s the end of one of the most remarkable international careers.
“The last four years have been an absolute privilege to work closely with the person I believe to be one of the best leaders in British sport.
“A captain who transformed a team, and the individuals in it, to become one of the most enjoyable to watch. I’ve no doubt Ben’s legacy will inspire thousands to pick up a bat and try and emulate him.”