Strauss says Stokes’ retirement announcement was a ‘huge distraction’ for England

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSir Andrew Strauss has voiced concerns over the timing of Ben Stokes’ international retirement, despite acknowledging that English cricket will be significantly impacted by his departure. Stokes' decision to step away from the Test arena was revealed during the fourth day’s play of the third Test against New Zealand, while he was in the midst of a bowling spell. Strauss, a former England captain, described the announcement as a “huge distraction” for the team, which was battling to avoid a series defeat, suggesting it should have been made before or after the match. He lauded Stokes as “one of England’s genuine greats” and a “superstar” who 'revelled in the big moments', attributing his retirement partly to the burnout from the demands of the role. Strauss concluded that English cricket will be “far worse” and “less interesting” without Stokes, anticipating a substantial void in the England team that will be challenging to fill. In fullEx-England captain questions timing of Ben Stokes’ international retirement announcementThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Raccontata damirror.co.ukindependent.co.ukchannelnewsasia.comabc.net.ausmh.com.authenationalnews.comnytimes.comaljazeera.comnzherald.co.nzrfi.frfrance24.cominews.co.uk+3 altre