Watch- Ben Stokes Gets Special Guard Of Honour In His Final International Appearance

Ben Stokes get 2 guard of honours [Source: screengrab]

England captain Ben Stokes shockingly announced his retirement from international cricket. The legendary all-rounder confirmed the same halfway into Day 4 of England’s series deciding home Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

It is worth noting that earlier this month, Stokes was involved in a controversial nightclub incident in London with teammate Gus Atkinson. However, the cricketer was later cleared of any serious wrongdoing.

As one can expect, the sudden retirement of Stokes sparked a wave of reactions from fans and cricket experts from across the world. The seasoned pro also received a double ‘guard of honour’ from England as well as New Zealand players as he was making his way into the field after a break. 

Ben Stokes receives two guard of honours on retirement day

Ben Stokes confirmed his retirement from international cricket shortly before Tea break on Day 4 of the third Test against New Zealand. When the cricketer returned to the field after the break, he received a standing ovation from the Trent Bridge crowd, and a guard of honour from his English teammates. 

Also Read- Ben Stokes Gets In Another Fight, This Time On Field vs New Zealand

New Zealand unbeaten batters at the time, Daryl Mitchell and Ben Sears also joined the England players in celebrating the glorious career of the seasoned all-rounder.

England Cricket

@englandcricket

A guard of honour, for the man who has given everything ❤️

Jun 28, 2026, 9:10 PM

A while later, Stokes employed himself to open the second England innings alongside specialist opener Ben Duckett, as they were tasked with a monumental target of 373 runs after New Zealand’s declaration.

Notably, when Stokes was making his way to bat alongside Duckett, the cricketer received yet another guard of honour, this time from the New Zealand players at his home ground. 

Harshit Vats

@Class9Scholar

📸 Ben Stokes opening the innings in his final Test match. ❤️🏏 A fitting farewell for an all-time great. To make the moment even more special, the New Zealand national cricket team gave him a heartfelt Guard of Honour. 👏🥹 Respect. Legacy. Emotion.

Jun 28, 2026, 9:46 PM

A look at Ben Stokes career

Ben Stokes is set to bow out of the international game after playing 122 Tests, 114 ODIs and 43 T20Is for the England team since making his debut way back in August 2011. One of the greats of the modern-day game, Stokes played influential roles in England’s 2019 ICC World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup wins. 

The cricketer also led the English team in Test cricket since mid-2022, and under his ‘BazBall’ regime, the national side pulled off some historic run chases against teams like India, New Zealand as well as recorded a remarkable series win in Pakistan. 

The 35-year-old concluded his batting career with an aggregate of 11,321 runs and his bowling tally with 352 sticks.

England on the cusp of rare series defeat at home

Ben Stokes bowled his heart out to nab figures of 2-49 as New Zealand declared at 288-9 in 94 overs on Day 4. Chasing 373 runs for a win in the decider, the all-rounder scored 30 runs from 20 balls while opening the innings. 

The England team ended up losing four wickets in 15 overs before stumps on Day 4, reaching 103-4. The hosts now require another 270 runs for a win, with Joe Root and Emilio Gay still batting at the crease. 

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