Ben Stokes has announced his retirement as England Men’s Test Captain and from international cricket.
Stokes will end his England career at the Third Rothesay Test Match at Trent Bridge.
It will bring to a close an international career which began with the white ball teams in 2011, before making his Test debut in December 2013 at Adelaide during the Ashes. He has captained the Test side since April 2022.
Stokes, an inspirational leader, has been at the heart of many of England’s most dramatic moments during his time in the team.
His unbeaten 84 in the 2019 ICC World Cup Final helped take the match against New Zealand to a Super Over in which England triumphed, while weeks later his sensational 135 not out at Headingley dragged England from apparent defeat to victory in the Third Ashes Test in one of the team’s greatest wins. A brutal 258 in Cape Town in 2016 was his highest Test score.
Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, said: “Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England's greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation. His performances under pressure, his relentless competitiveness and his ability to produce the extraordinary when it matters most have given me and millions of other fans memories that will endure forever.
“Whether inspiring victory in the biggest moments - not least driving England to World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022 and his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley - or leading the Test team with courage and conviction, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket.
"Beyond his remarkable achievements on the field, his performances have inspired many youngsters to embrace cricket with positivity and belief. We are losing a batsman, a bowler, a captain and a talisman. On behalf of the ECB, I want to thank Ben for everything he has given to our sport and wish him and his family every success and happiness for the future."
Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Ben Stokes has made an immeasurable contribution to English cricket, not only through his exceptional skill as one of the world's finest all-rounders, but through the commitment, resilience and passion he has demonstrated throughout his international career.
"His influence has extended far beyond statistics - inspiring teammates, supporters and young cricketers around the world through his leadership and unwavering desire to win. We are enormously grateful for his service to England and congratulate him on an extraordinary international career. His contribution to the game will be celebrated for many years to come.”
Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, and raised in Cumbria, Stokes has overcome a number of injury setbacks to produce a host of match-winning performances.
Brendon McCullum, England Men's Head Coach, said: "Ben’s contribution to the game transcends cricket. He’s one of those players that each time he stepped into the arena, his energy and determination meant he had the potential to change the course of the match.
"For fans, Stokesy has provided some of the greatest moments of cricket that England has ever seen. For young players, he’s been a legend that inspires them to pick up a bat, to play with heart and bravery, and to give absolutely everything for his team. And for me, the last four years have been an incredible journey. While his time as our skipper has come to an end, he will always be a great friend. May the next chapter for Ben Stokes, be as great as the last."
Rob Key, Managing Director, said: "From smashing Kent round in 2011, to going on to become one of the best cricketers the game has seen, it’s the end of one of the most remarkable international careers. The last four years have been an absolute privilege to work closely with the person I believe to be one of the best leaders in British sport.
"A captain who transformed a team, and the individuals in it, to become one of the most enjoyable to sit back and watch. I have no doubt that Ben‘s legacy will inspire thousands to pick up a bat and try and emulate their hero."