‘Once in a generation player’: Tom Latham and Joe Root pay heartfelt tributes after Ben Stokes’ shock retirement

Ben Stokes. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) Ben Stokes brought the curtain down on his illustrious Test career with a surprise retirement announcement during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Although England suffered defeat in the match, Stokes’ remarkable contribution to the game was celebrated by teammates and opponents alike, with New Zealand captain Tom Latham and long-time England team-mate Joe Root paying heartfelt tributes.Tom Latham on Ben Stokes: “On behalf of the New Zealand cricket team I just want to congratulate you on an amazing career. You are truly a once in a generation player. We have shared some fierce battles over the years and it was an honor to play against you. Congratulations on a fantastic career mate. Enjoy your retirement.”Joe Root on playing alongside Stokes: “I’ve played cricket with Ben and against Ben since we were 12. He taught me my first slur the first time I played against him when he sledged me. We’ve always got on very well since then. It’s going to be a strange feeling walking into the dressing room and not seeing him around. He’s been an incredible team-mate and friend all the way.”

New Zealand seal the series in England

New Zealand secured a memorable 160-run victory over England in the third Test at Trent Bridge to wrap up the three-match series 2-1 and hand England their first home Test series defeat of three or more matches in 14 years. The match was overshadowed by Ben Stokes’ shock retirement announcement, with the England captain ending his international career after the match.After electing to bat first, New Zealand posted 438 in their first innings thanks to magnificent centuries from Devon Conway (157) and Tom Latham (151). England replied with 354, powered by Ben Duckett’s 113, leaving the visitors 84 runs ahead in the first innings.In the second innings, Daryl Mitchell produced a gritty unbeaten 100 while fighting several shots to guide New Zealand to 288/9 declared. England were set a daunting target of 373 runs, but their chase never gained momentum. Stokes opened the batting in his farewell innings and scored a brisk 30 off 20 balls, but England were eventually bowled out for 212 for the loss of 160 runs.

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Share an opinionNew Zealand’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mitchell Santner claiming key wickets on the final day, while Nathan Smith and concussion replacement Zak Foulkes made significant contributions throughout the match. A 75-run stand between Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson briefly delayed the inevitable before the visitors wrapped up victory.