ANALYSIS: Stokes was England's flawed champion – and irreplaceableEngland have seldom had someone quite like Ben Stokes – a man for the moment and of remarkable heart, fight and spirit. Richard Jolly pays tribute to a flawed but utterly, utterly fabulous cricketer.Harry Latham-Coyle29 June 2026 09:45England captain Ben Stokes announces shock retirement from international cricketIt was at 15.25 on a sleepy Sunday afternoon that news of Ben Stokes’ retirement was announced – changing the face of this Test and plenty more besides.Harry Latham-Coyle29 June 2026 09:40England vs New Zealand LIVEWell then.It’s the morning after the night before, and Ben Stokes’ final day as an international cricketer is upon us. There is much more digesting to be done after a simply stunning and surreal afternoon and evening of Test cricket – but as their captain bows out, England are right in the mire and on the brink of series defeat.England’s Ben Stokes has reached his final day as a Test cricketer (PA Wire)Harry Latham-Coyle29 June 2026 09:33