Departing Ben Stokes opens the batting, swinging fearlessly as Trent Bridge takes his leave

Ben Stokes didn’t script a fairytale finish with the bat, but Trent Bridge still provided the farewell one of England’s greatest all-rounders deserved. Hours after announcing his shock retirement from international cricket, the England captain hit a typically aggressive thirty before departing to a standing ovation and a guard of honor from New Zealand.

The announcement stunned the cricketing world earlier on Sunday when Stokes informed his teammates before kick-off that the ongoing third Test against New Zealand would be his last appearance for England. In a video shared by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the 35-year-old delivered an emotional message to the dressing room before taking to the field.

English vs. NZ, 3rd test day 4: HIGHLIGHTS

“I know something is going to happen in the next two days, which are my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England,” Stokes said.

“The reasons can wait, but I’ve done many trips to the well before for this team, for you guys, for people, and I’ve got one more trip to go.

“And the only thing I’m asking is, can everyone please do the same? There’s still a lot of hard work ahead of us.”

Emotions around Trent Bridge only deepened after the news swept through the stadium. Stokes was in the middle of a long bowling spell when the audience realized they were watching the final matches of an extraordinary England career. The whole country rose to applaud him and in a moment that seemed almost scripted for Hollywood, he dismissed Zakary Foulkes with the very next ball, prompting another deafening roar from the Nottingham crowd.

STOKES REPLIED IN TYPICAL STYLE

If the ovation was emotional, Stokes’ final innings was unmistakably Ben Stokes.

England were set a daunting target of 373 after Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten century in New Zealand and Stokes stepped up to open the batting for only the third time in his 122-Test career. It was a bold move, but one that perfectly reflected the fearless brand of cricket he championed as captain.

He immediately announced himself with a crisp drive off his very first delivery and survived an early reprieve as New Zealand squandered the chance. Instead of retreating to caution, Stokes did what he has done throughout his career and counter-attacked.

A towering six off Zakary Foulkes disappeared down the leg side before another maximum came against Nathan Smith as two sharp boundaries kept England’s chase alive and Trent Bridge thoroughly entertained.

His farewell innings ended on 30 from just 20 deliveries and he was aptly looking to win the game rather than retain his wicket.

Looking to fire Zakary Foulkes through leg again, Stokes lost his shape slightly and missed the shot. Daryl Mitchell sprinted forward from wide mid-off before completing a brilliant low diving catch to end one final explosive innings.

New Zealand players immediately congratulated Stokes and Mitchell Santner hugged the England captain before both teams formed a guard of honor as he slowly made his way back to the pavilion. Stokes acknowledged every corner of Trent Bridge by raising his bat and helmet as family members, former cricketers and thousands of supporters applauded one of England’s modern day greats.

A CAREER THAT CHANGED ENGLAND CRICKET

Few players have left a bigger mark on English cricket over the last decade and a half than Ben Stokes.

One of England’s greatest ever captains, Ben Stokes has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match.

Ben, you were the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have hoped for.

We love you very much and wish you the same pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026

From his memorable unbeaten 84 in the 2019 ODI World Cup final against New Zealand that took England into the Super Over where they would eventually win, to his stunning 135 not out at Headingley that saved the 2019 Ashes, Stokes has built a career on producing extraordinary performances when the stakes are highest.

There was also an incredible 258 caps against South Africa in Cape Town, more than 250 Test wickets, countless winning spells and, perhaps just as importantly, the transformation of England’s Test side after taking over as captain in 2022. Stokes, alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, became the face of an attacking philosophy that changed the face of English football with the longest approach of cinders and exciters.

His last innings may have lasted just 20 balls and produced just 30 runs, but it captured almost everything that defined him as a cricketer.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

Jun 29, 2026 0:27 AM IST