Ben Stokes announces shock retirement from international midway during a Test

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on one of England's greatest modern careers. The England captain will call time on his career after the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Stokes began his journey with England's white-ball side in 2011 before his Test debut during the 2013 Ashes in Adelaide.

Stokes informed his teammates of the decision before the start of play on the fourth day of the Trent Bridge Test, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) later confirming the news.

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."