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United Kingdom·Cricket

Ben Stokes announces retirement from international cricket mid-Test against New Zealand

Monday, 29 June 2026, 06:23 · 1 min read

England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday during the fourth day of the third and deciding Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, bringing an end to a 15-year career with the national side. The 35-year-old all-rounder, who has led England's Test team since 2022 and is credited with driving the team's aggressive "Bazball" style of play, said he had "run out of fight" and may have "burnt myself out" — citing also a lack of support from team management during a recent disciplinary saga in which he was dropped for breaking a midnight curfew. Stokes finishes with 7,273 Test runs and 252 wickets across 122 matches — only the second cricketer after South Africa's Jacques Kallis to surpass 7,000 runs and 250 wickets in the format — and his departure leaves England facing an immediate leadership and all-rounder vacancy, with vice-captain Harry Brook widely expected to take over.

Sources
DawnEngland Test captain Ben Stokes to retire from international cricket ↗︎The HinduENG vs NZ 3rd Test, Day 4: New Zealand close on series victory amid emotional Stokes farewell ↗︎The HinduEngland captain Ben Stokes to retire from international cricket after New Zealand Test series ↗︎
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