Stokes abruptly retires from international cricket

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from England’s Test captaincy and international cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement on Sunday.

Stokes will end his England career immediately after the conclusion of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand in Nottingham.

The 35-year-old all-rounder received a standing ovation from the Trent Bridge stands as news of his decision spread. Moments later, the gallery erupted in applause when he dismissed New Zealand’s Jack Foakes on the third and deciding fourth day of the three-match series.

### Farewell after disciplinary action
Sunday’s announcement came as Stokes had just returned to the England squad at Trent Bridge. He and teammate Gus Atkinson were dropped from the squad for the second Test at The Oval for breaking the midnight curfew (the time set for returning to the team) while celebrating at a London nightclub after the first Test victory over New Zealand. England lost that match by a huge margin of 253 runs.
### ECB tribute
ECB chairman Richard Thompson said: “Ben Stokes leaves international cricket as one of the greatest cricketers in England’s history and one of the icons of his generation.”
“His performances under pressure, his relentless drive to win and his ability to do the unthinkable when it mattered most have given me and millions of fans memories that will live on forever.”
“Whether inspiring his team to victory in the biggest moments—particularly leading England to World Cup victories in 2019 and 2022 and his epic Ashes innings at Headingley—or leading the Test team with courage and determination, Ben was a magical figure in English cricket.”