‘Huge distraction’: Andrew Strauss questions timing of Ben Stokes retirement

NEW DELHI: Former England captain Andrew Strauss has questioned the timing of Ben Stokes’ retirement announcement, saying it became a “huge distraction” for England during the crucial Test against New Zealand.Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during the final Test at Trent Bridge and informed his teammates on the morning of the 4th. The news was released later that afternoon while he was bowling. As soon as the announcement was made, the England captain received a standing ovation from the crowd and responded with a wicket on the very next ball.However, Strauss felt that the announcement should have been made either before or after the match.

“A smarter approach”

While praising Stokes for all he has achieved, Strauss said the focus during the Test match should remain on the team.“Everyone has the right to step down on their own terms and no one has earned it more than Ben, but announcing before or after the game seems like a more sensible approach. When you’re in the middle of a game, the only thing that matters is the team’s performance,” Strauss said on Fox Sports.With the three-match series level at 1-1, England were fighting to avoid a series defeat against New Zealand when the announcement was made.Strauss admitted he was unhappy with how things turned out.“It looks like a huge distraction for a team that was struggling to avoid a series defeat and the cricket in the latter part had an ‘end of term’ feel to it.”

One of the best cricket testers

Stokes retires after an outstanding international career across all three formats.In 122 Tests, he scored 7,273 runs at an average of 34.46, including 14 centuries, while taking 252 wickets at an average of 30.98, with six five-wicket hauls.In 114 ODIs, he made 3,463 runs at an average of 41.22, scored five hundreds and took 74 wickets.He also represented England in 43 T20Is, scoring 585 runs and taking 26 wickets.

Elite company with Jacques Kallis

Stokes leaves the game with several notable records.He is only the second cricketer in Test history to achieve the rare double of over 7,000 runs and 250 wickets. The only other player to reach the milestone is South African legend Jacques Kallis, who finished with 13,289 runs and 292 wickets.

He ruled India, Australia and the West Indies

Stokes has also had tremendous success against some of the strongest teams in the world.He scored 1,920 Test runs and took 59 wickets against India.He amassed 1,746 runs and claimed 56 wickets against Australia.He also scored 1,339 runs and 43 wickets against the West Indies.Only three other legendary all-rounders – Gary Sobers, Kapil Dev and Jacques Kallis – have managed to score 1,000 runs and take 40 wickets against three different opponents.

King of test sixes

Stokes also rewrote the record books with his aggressive batting.His 138 sixes are the most by any batsman in Test cricket, making him one of only three players to hit 100 or more sixes in the format.Of those 138 maximums, 39 came against Australia, the most Test sixes hit by any player against a single opponent.Despite debate over the timing of his retirement announcement, Stokes leaves as one of England’s greatest all-rounders and one of the greatest match-winners the game has produced.