In a shock development that will rock English cricket Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket during the ongoing deciding Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
A statement from the England & Wales Cricket Board dropped 23 minutes before tea on day four of the match as the hosts were struggling to bowl out New Zealand – and facing what looks like a certain defeat given the tourists are chasing in excess of 300 on a difficult Trent Bridge pitch.
It comes after weeks of turmoil following Stokes’ curfew-breaking night out at Chelsea’s Rex Rooms in which he came close to announcing his retirement after the ECB took a firm stance against him.
However, he came back for Trent Bridge after being suspended for the second Test at The Oval – but refused to commit his future beyond this final Test.
An ECB statement said: “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.
