England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his shock retirement from all forms of international cricket on Sunday. He will leave the England team immediately after the current third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge concludes. The 35-year-old all-rounder told his teammates the news in the dressing room before the start of Day 4.
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… pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) shared the news with the public shortly before the tea interval. Stokes then produced a final moment of magic by taking a wicket with the very next ball he bowled after the announcement. He finishes a legendary 15-year career as one of only two players in history to reach 7,000 runs and 250 wickets in Test cricket.
A Shock Announcement at Trent Bridge
The timing of the announcement surprised the world of cricket because it happened in the middle of a deciding Test match. Ben Stokes spoke emotionally to his teammates on Sunday morning, telling them he had one more trip to the well left for the team. He asked his players to give everything for the final two days of the game.
🗣️ Before play began at Trent Bridge, Ben Stokes gathered his teammates to announce his retirement from international cricket pic.twitter.com/G8LmDmYfSF
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) June 28, 2026
Once the news became public, the crowd at Nottingham gave the captain a standing ovation. New Zealand’s players and the match umpires also formed a guard of honour for him as he walked onto the pitch after the tea break. Despite the celebration of his career, England faces a difficult task to win the match and the series.
Following the announcement, Stokes showed his aggressive style one last time. He promoted himself to open the batting in England’s second innings. He scored 30 runs from just 20 balls, including two massive sixes.
Why Ben Stokes Is Retiring Now
The captain explained that he feels burnt out and has lost his love for international cricket. He admitted that the role of leading the England team is very draining. Furthermore, he noted that certain moments over the last year made him feel like he did not enjoy the sport as much as before.
‘I basically burnt myself out’: Ben Stokes reveals why he is quitting international cricket after shocking team-mates and fans with retirement during Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand https://t.co/iJxF5xGhzG
— Daily Mail Sport (@MailSport) June 28, 2026
Several recent events contributed to his decision. England suffered a heavy loss against Australia last winter, which Stokes said took all the fight out of him. Stokes recently missed the second Test of this series due to a disciplinary investigation regarding a night out in London. Although he was cleared of wrongdoing, he described the process as frustrating and disappointing.
He took a break for his mental health in 2021 and suffered a serious facial injury earlier this year. Stokes also added that playing for his county side Durham brought a different kind of happiness. He will continue to play domestic cricket for Durham and will also play in franchise T20 leagues around the world.
Tributes from the Cricket World
The chairman of the ECB Richard Thompson called Stokes one of the defining figures of his generation. He praised the captain for inspiring young people to play cricket with belief and positivity. Former teammate Stuart Broad described him as a talisman who always wanted to be in the game when things were most difficult.
“He’s always been there for the team and we’ll always love him.”
Fans at Trent Bridge share their thoughts after England captain Ben Stokes announced that he is to retire from international cricket ⬇️
Latest: https://t.co/oVw3iEwPxu
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 and Freeview 233 pic.twitter.com/j8rb8h4c0w
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 28, 2026
Joe Root, a close friend of Stokes, said that the captain left it all out there on the field. Root explained that whenever the team needed something to happen, they always turned to Stokes. The fans at Trent Bridge have also shared their thoughts regarding Stoke’s retirement.
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