Daryll Cullinan says Ben Stokes’ final Test innings was a defiant ‘up yours’

England's Ben Stokes looks on after New Zealand beating England on the fifth day of the third Test cricket match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on June 29, 2026. Picture: DARREN STAPLES / AFP

Former Proteas batsman Daryll Cullinan said the shock retirement of Ben Stokes last month was a chaotic and sad end to his career.

Stokes and the England Cricket Board (ECB) made the surprise announcement on the penultimate day of England’s Test series against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on June 29.

The ECB confirmed the news just before the tea interval on the fourth day of the Test.

Stokes was then given a guard of honour as he returned to the field after tea. The England skipper later promoted himself to open the batting in his final Test innings, scoring a rapid 30 off 20 balls before his brief stay at the crease came to an end.