I was completely taken aback when I heard the news of Ben Stokes’ retirement in the middle of Sunday afternoon. It seemed such random timing and such a bizarre way for one of England’s greatest cricketers to bow out.I am really sad that he is going now. I have loved watching Ben give his heart and soul to English cricket. Headingley 2019 was the greatest Test innings I have seen. Nobody gave him a chance, it was the fourth innings, and he had bowled a mammoth spell, but he kept his composure and his cool.The Telegraph LondonSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles