Ben Stokes Breaks Silence On Retiring From Cricket

Ben Stokes speaks after England's loss [Source: X]

England's former captain Ben Stokes has finally broken his silence on his international retirement from cricket on Monday, June 29. 

As England recorded a defeat at home against New Zealand in the three-match Test series, Stokes too bowed out of his duties and hung up his boots on his international career with the end of the match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. 

Ben Stokes announced his retirement from cricket on June 28, Sunday, in the England dressing room. While many believed it to be an impulsive decision, Stokes had his final say on the decision at the post-match interview after the England vs New Zealand third Test.

Ben Stokes Shares Final Words On Test Cricket Retirement

Stokes, at 35, shared that he is not looking at the reversal of his Test retirement at any cost, speaking after the match on Monday. While replying to BBC Test Match Special, Stokes shared that he is totally done with Test cricket.

"It is a decision I don't take lightly. It has taken a lot of time. I am done. I am very happy,” Stokes shared after the match.

The England great ended his career after 15 years of glorious cricketing days that saw some of his best performances on the ground. 

Under his captaincy, England have won multiple trophies and have led the team to historic wins. Yet, the six-run defeat of England against New Zealand at Trent Bridge didn't waver him, as Stokes remained composed despite the 2-1 series loss. 

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No Chance Of Retirement Reversal, Confirms Stokes

Ben Stokes, who reversed a white-ball retirement to play at the 2023 World Cup, shared that there is no chance of a reversal as of now since he shared that the last six to twelve months were a lot tougher for him to take in, in terms of cricket as well as his personal life.

"Again, there has been a series of unfortunate events happen. I am sure over the next couple of weeks we will be able to decompress and say, 'Has it contributed?' Maybe. But the overriding fact is that over the last six to 12 months everything I have done over a long period has taken its toll.

"Being in this role, as good as it is, as exciting as it is, and as big an honour as it is, there are some negative aspects. I guess that's part of getting older. There's lot of things you are going to miss. There's some things, maybe, you are glad you don't have to do any more." Stokes shared.

Stokes Signs Off In Style

Speaking of his last contributions, Stokes went down heroically. In New Zealand's first innings, Stokes became the highest wicket-taker for England, bagging four wickets from 21 overs, although his batting innings wasn't as impressive since he managed only 15 runs from 33 deliveries. 

The second innings again saw him take two wickets and score 30 runs with the bat. As Stokes bowed off the cricket ground after opening for England in the second innings, he left some of the biggest memories for the three white lines to cherish forever. 

Brendon McCullum On Ben Stokes Retirement

Brendon McCullum added to Stokes's retirement, saying that he had already made up his mind and shared that it was pretty obvious that he was keen to stay away from the game. 

"He had made up his mind and it became pretty obvious that he was keen to step away. From there it turned to just a bit sad really. Sad because for four years we've worked intimately together and we've been through a lot together.

"He was an inspiration to work with. I call him a good friend and wish him all the best for the future," McCullum shared.

Nevertheless, with this loss, England's chances of reaching the World Test Championship 2027 final become much narrower, with New Zealand gaining steady momentum on the points table. 

England would look to bounce back from their Test series loss in the upcoming T20I and ODI series against India as they host them in the month of July.

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