England's iconic all-rounder Ben Stokes has announced his international retirement, effective at the end of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand.
The emotional news was revealed by Stokes himself during a speech to his teammates in the dressing room at Trent Bridge on Sunday afternoon, the fourth day of the Test match.
Stokes, widely regarded as one of England's greatest captains, expressed his gratitude to his teammates and urged them to give their all for the remaining two days of the match.
His poignant words included: 'There's something that I know is going to happen over the next two days, which is that this is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England.' He also emphasized the importance of giving everything for the team and the sport, saying, 'Let's just go out there and f*ing give everything for another two days. That's my only intention and that's where all my energy is right now.'
The ECB has praised Stokes' remarkable contributions to English cricket, hailing him as one of the game's greatest ever cricketers and a defining figure of his generation.
Stokes' performances under pressure have inspired countless fans, including his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley and his leadership in England's World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022.
His international career has been marked by exceptional skill, commitment, resilience, and passion, inspiring teammates, supporters, and young cricketers around the world.
