Ben Stokes retires from international cricket mid–New Zealand Test

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has responded with trademark humour after the England and Wales Cricket Board found itself under scrutiny over a dressing-room video released during the third Test against New Zealand. The controversy erupted after the International Cricket Council questioned whether the board had breached its anti-corruption regulations by publishing footage of Stokes announcing his retirement while the match was still in progress.The video, shared by the ECB on the fourth day of the Trent Bridge Test, captured an emotional Stokes informing his teammates that the match would be his final appearance for England. While the clip quickly went viral, the ICC reportedly raised concerns because its regulations prohibit the release of audio from team dressing rooms during live international matches. The governing body subsequently contacted the ECB to seek clarification over the timing of the video's publication. Reports suggest that although the board may have breached protocol, significant disciplinary action is unlikely.One of England's all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match.Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for. We love you so much and wish you… pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026 Reacting to the controversy, Stokes took a light-hearted approach on social media. Responding to a post discussing the ICC's inquiry, the former England captain jokingly wrote, "Sack him …", poking fun at the situation rather than expressing concern. His witty response quickly gained traction among cricket fans, many of whom appreciated the all-rounder's sense of humour amid the growing debate surrounding the ECB's handling of the video.Sack him … https://t.co/LYQ5ZlYqDE— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) July 9, 2026 The ICC's concerns stem from Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA minimum standards, which restricts the recording and broadcasting of dressing-room audio during international matches. According to reports, the ICC had previously informed the ECB that any such footage should only be released after the conclusion of play. The rules are intended to safeguard the integrity of the game by preventing the possibility of sensitive team information being made public during a live contest.Stokes, who retired from international cricket after the New Zealand series, ended a remarkable career with 7,273 Test runs and 252 wickets in 122 matches. Having transformed England's Test side alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, the 35-year-old leaves behind a significant leadership legacy. While the ECB's handling of the retirement announcement remains under the ICC's spotlight, Stokes' humorous reaction has ensured that the incident has also provided cricket fans with a memorable moment off the field.

Ben Stokes shares an emotional message, reflecting on his 15-year England career, thanking fans and teammates, and saying he wanted to be alone in deciding to give up int. cricket.

Ben Stokes, one of England's modern-day cricketing icons, has announced his retirement from international cricket, following the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge earlier this week.

Stokes announced his retirement during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Moments after issuing an official statement, he claimed his final wicket for England.

Ben Stokes retired from international cricket with the conclusion of the third Test between England and New Zealand.

The England captain announced on Sunday, in the middle of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, that he would retire from international cricket after the match, bringing the curtain down on a 15-year career.

The England captain announced on Sunday, in the middle of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, that he would retire from international cricket after the match, bringing the curtain down on a 15-year career.

Ben Stokes has stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket, but the timing feels right - says Cricket News columnist Jamie Alter.

Stokes’ time in international cricket is at an end after the stunning announcement of his retirement on day four

When the news was announced at Trent Bridge on Sunday it drew a standing ovation from the crowd.

In a shocking announcement, England's renowned all-rounder Ben Stokes has chosen to retire from Test cricket, leaving a lasting impression on fans following an illustrious career. Known for his dramatic game-changing feats, such as the epic century at Headingley during the Ashes, his exit signifies a monumental shift in English cricket. Stokes’ decision creates a notable absence in a sport that will miss his dynamic presence.

Cricket fans around the world were left stunned after England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday.

Cricket fans around the world were left stunned after England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday.

Ben Stokes confirmed his decision to retire from international cricket in the middle of the 3rd Test against New Zealand.

Ben Stokes confirmed his decision to retire from international cricket in the middle of the 3rd Test against New Zealand.

Every word from Ben Stokes’ retirement explanation  The TelegraphBen Stokes: England captain says retiring from international cricket is 'the best thing' for him  BBCBen Stokes: England captain reveals 'tough' decisions behind international retirement and why it is 'best thing' for him  Sky SportsBen Stokes was fallible but that is what made him the people’s champion | Mark Ramprakash  The GuardianBen Stokes: England captain retires from international cricket during ongoing New Zealand Test  BBC

England captain Ben Stokes announces retirement from international cricket  Sky NewsBen Stokes was fallible but that is what made him the people’s champion | Mark Ramprakash  The GuardianEngland captain Ben Stokes retires from international cricket  BBCBen Stokes: England captain reveals 'tough' decisions behind international retirement and why it is 'best thing' for him  Sky SportsThe wrong man has gone: Stokes quits while Key and McCullum survive  The Telegraph

Revealing that doubts about his future first surfaced on the eve of the series against New Zealand, Stokes said: 'It's the best thing that I've been asked to do, captain this team, this country.'

Revealing that doubts about his future first surfaced on the eve of the series against New Zealand, Stokes said: 'It's the best thing that I've been asked to do, captain this team, this country.'

England Test captain Ben Stokes announces international retirement  The GuardianBen Stokes: England captain says retiring from international cricket is 'the best thing' for him  BBCEngland vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes' final Test set to end in series defeat  BBCBen Stokes’ remarkable England career: in pictures  The GuardianBen Stokes: England captain reveals 'tough' decisions behind international retirement and why it is 'best thing' for him  Sky Sports

Ben Stokes tells his teammates he'll be retiring from England duties.

Ben Stokes tells his teammates he'll be retiring from England duties.

Ben Stokes tells his teammates he'll be retiring from England duties.

Ben Stokes speaks after the announcement he's to retire from international cricket.

Following day four of England's third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, captain Ben Stokes explains his reasons for announcing his retiring, saying "the time was right" to leave international cricket.

Ben Stokes’ shock retirement is a sad day for English cricket  The TelegraphBen Stokes: England captain says retiring from international cricket is 'the best thing' for him  BBCBen Stokes: England captain reveals 'tough' decisions behind international retirement and why it is 'best thing' for him  Sky SportsBen Stokes was fallible but that is what made him the people’s champion | Mark Ramprakash  The GuardianBen Stokes: England captain retires from international cricket during ongoing New Zealand Test  BBC

The 35-year-old made a shock announcement on day four of England’s third test against New Zealand

Third Test D4: NZ 438 & 288-9dec; England 354 & 103-4Captain takes wicket moments after announcementIt was one of the most extraordinary scenes witnessed in a career littered with them. Ten or so minutes before tea on the fourth day against New Zealand, about to start the 11th over of another marathon spell, Ben Stokes stood at the top of his mark as a ripple of applause turned into a standing ovation.Minutes earlier the England and Wales Cricket Board had released the news that Stokes would be retiring from internationals at the end of this deciding third Test. The players had been informed by Stokes before the start of play and now the public was in on the secret, people rising as one to roar as their champion all-rounder set off on another bullocking charge to the crease. Continue reading...

England captain Ben Stokes was given a stirring guard of honour by both his England teammates and New Zealand players at Trent Bridge on Sunday after announcing his shock retirement from international cricket.

Ben Stokes took centre stage, in more ways than one, as the announcement of his international retirement dominated a quite remarkable fourth day's play of England's third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Ben Stokes took centre stage, in more ways than one, as the announcement of his international retirement dominated a quite remarkable fourth day's play of England's third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Ben Stokes: England captain to retire from international cricket after New Zealand series  Sky SportsBen Stokes says that retiring from international cricket is 'the best thing' for him  BBCBen Stokes marks England retirement in extraordinary fashion but New Zealand dominate  The GuardianEngland vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes' final Test set to end in series defeat  BBCBen Stokes latest: England captain announces retirement from international cricket  Sky News

Ben Stokes has announced his shock-retirement from international cricket during the third Test between New Zealand and England at Trent Bridge.

Stokes will walk away from England duty after the third Test match against New Zealand

Stokes will walk away from England duty after the third Test match against New Zealand

The shocking announcement came 15 minutes before the tea break.

Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during the third Test match against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, delivering an emotional speech to his England teammates before the start of play on day four.

England test captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the ongoing test match against New Zealand.

Stokes bows out as one of England's most accomplished all-rounders, having played pivotal roles in the country's ODI World Cup triumph in 2019 and the T20 World Cup title in 2022

The all-rounder announces retirement during the New Zealand Test, ending a 15-year international journey filled with historic moments.

Stokes will end his England career at the conclusion of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement as England Test captain and from international cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement issued Sunday. Stokes will end his England career following the conclusion of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand in Nottingham. As news spread of the 35-year-old all-rounder’s decision, he received a standing ovation from the crowd at Trent Bridge and there were more cheers shortly afterwards when he dismissed New Zealand’s Zak Foulkes on the fourth day of the third and deciding Test of a three-match series. Sunday’s announcement came after Stokes returned to England duty at Trent Bridge after being omitted from a 253-run defeat in the second Test at the Oval for breaking a midnight curfew, alongside teammate Gus Atkinson, while celebrating at a London nightclub following the first-Test win over New Zealand. “Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation,” said ECB chairman Richard Thompson. “His performances under pressure, his relentless competitiveness and his ability to produce the extraordinary when it matters most have given me and millions of other fans memories that will endure forever. “Whether inspiring victory in the biggest moments — not least driving England to World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022 and his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley — or leading the Test team with courage and conviction, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket,” Thompson added.

Stokes will end his England career at the conclusion of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

England captain told team-mates that he would be stepping down at start of fourth day in Nottingham

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of England's third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Stokes will walk away from international duty after the current Test match with New Zealand at Trent Bridge, bringing to an end one of the great England careers

Stokes will walk away from international duty after the current Test match with New Zealand at Trent Bridge, bringing to an end one of the great England careers

England captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the third Test against New Zealand, the team said on Sunday.

England superstar Ben Stokes has announced a surprise decision to retire from international cricket at the end of the ongoing England vs New Zealand Test series. The 35-year-old's decision comes days after being suspended for breaking curfew, leading to a bar altercation. The talismanic all-rounder played a key role in England's two World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022. Ben, for - thank you pic.twitter.com/fld0wFJpxl— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026 A talismanic all-rounder, Stokes finishes his career as one of only a handful of cricketers to score more than 7,000 Test runs and take over 250 wickets, cementing his place among the game's elite. He also played defining roles in England's triumphs at the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, while his unforgettable unbeaten 135 at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes remains one of the greatest Test innings ever played.As captain from 2022, Stokes helped usher in England's ultra-aggressive "Bazball" era alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, revitalising the Test side with an attacking philosophy that changed the team's fortunes and reignited interest in red-ball cricket.Recently, he found himself under scrutiny after being involved in a nightclub incident during England's home season, apologising publicly to teammates before returning to lead the side against New Zealand.England Players Kate Cross & Alex Hartley Question ICC's Women's T20 World Cup Semifinal PolicyDespite injuries that plagued the latter stages of his career, Stokes continued to deliver inspirational performances with both bat and ball. His leadership, resilience and ability to produce match-winning displays under pressure ensured his status as one of England's modern greats.With Stokes stepping away, England not only lose one of their finest all-rounders but also the inspirational leader who shaped one of the most exciting eras in the team's Test history. His legacy will be remembered as much for his unforgettable performances as for the determination with which he overcame setbacks, both on and off the field.

Stokes told his team-mates in the dressing room at Trent Bridge before the start of play.

England test captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the ongoing test match with New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Sunday.

England test captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the ongoing test match with New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Sunday.

England test captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the ongoing test match with New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Sunday.

Ben Stokes delivered a speech to his teammates confirming his international retirement (Picture: ECB) England captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket at the end of the third Test with New Zealand, which is currently ongoing. The announcement that the iconic all-rounder is retiring came during one of his bowling spells on Sunday afternoon, the fourth day of the Test match at Trent Bridge. The news comes after Stokes missed the second Test of the series following an incident at a London nightclub after the first Test. The ECB has released a video of Stokes revealing the news to his teammates before the fourth day’s play began, when he made an emotional speech in the dressing room in Nottingham. The 35-year-old made his international debut in 2011 and will finish on 122 Tests for England, 114 ODIs and 43 T20is, becoming one of the country’s greatest ever players. Stokes said: ‘There’s something that I know is going to happen over the next two days, which is that this is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England. ‘Reasons can wait why, but I’ve had many trips to the well before for this team, for you blokes, for people beforehand and I’ve got one more trip to do. And the only thing that I ask, please, is can everyone please do the same. One of England's all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match.Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for. We love you so much and wish you… pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026 ‘We’ve got a lot of hard work still to do and the only thing that I want is to be able to walk off that field, regardless of the result, knowing that I’ve had this group of men and one lady, give everything for the last two days. ‘The only thing I want is for everyone to give it not only for me, selfishly, but also for this team and everything else we’ve got going forward for you blokes. ‘All the taps on the arse, all the emotion all that kind of stuff, please can we just wait for the end of this game because we’ve still got s**tloads more work to do and I’ve got a s**tload more work that I want to do. ‘Let’s just go out there and f***ing give everything for another two days. That’s my only intention and that’s where all my energy is right now. ‘Got the emotional side out of it. Now it’s time to go to work. Can everyone else please just come with me.’ The Stokes announcement came at a shocking time (Picture: Getty Images) The Durham star played a huge role in England winning the Cricket World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022. He won ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2019 and Test Cricketer of the Year in ’22. The climax of the 2019 World Cup win may be the most memorable moment of his career, while his unbeaten 135 not out to beat Australia in the ’19 Ashes at Headingley will contest that. Stokes with Joe Root after beating New Zealand to win the World Cup (Picture: Getty Images) Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, said of the announcement: ‘Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation. His performances under pressure, his relentless competitiveness and his ability to produce the extraordinary when it matters most have given me and millions of other fans memories that will endure forever. ‘Whether inspiring victory in the biggest moments – not least driving England to World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022 and his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley – or leading the Test team with courage and conviction, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket. ‘”Beyond his remarkable achievements on the field, his performances have inspired many youngsters to embrace cricket with positivity and belief. We are losing a batsman, a bowler, a captain and a talisman. ‘On behalf of the ECB, I want to thank Ben for everything he has given to our sport and wish him and his family every success and happiness for the future.’ Stokes made an epic Test-winning century at Headingley against Australia in 2019 (Picture: Getty Images) CEO of the ECB, Richard Gould, said: ‘Ben Stokes has made an immeasurable contribution to English cricket, not only through his exceptional skill as one of the world’s finest all-rounders, but through the commitment, resilience and passion he has demonstrated throughout his international career. ‘His influence has extended far beyond statistics – inspiring teammates, supporters and young cricketers around the world through his leadership and unwavering desire to win. ‘We are enormously grateful for his service to England and congratulate him on an extraordinary international career. His contribution to the game will be celebrated for many years to come.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

News is made public just before tea on day four at Trent Bridge, prompting a standing ovation, with Stokes immediately taking a wicket

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement as England Test captain and from international cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement issued Sunday."Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England's greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation," said ECB chairman Richard Thompson.

It ends Stokes’ 15-year international career that peaked when he starred for England in its win over New Zealand in the 50-over World Cup final in 2019.

England captain Ben Stokes announces his retirement from international cricket during the ongoing third Test against New Zealand.

England captain Ben Stokes announces his retirement from international cricket during the ongoing third Test against New Zealand.

England captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the third Test against New Zealand, the team has said.

The announcement came while Stokes was in the middle of a bowling spell. England Cricket released a statement confirming that the 35-year-old would step away from international cricket after the conclusion of the Test.

All-rounder takes wicket just after news breaks Trent Bridge crowd gives captain standing ovationThe England Test captain, Ben Stokes, has announced his retirement from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand.Stokes issued a statement shortly before tea on day four, having informed his teammates in the dressing room at Trent Bridge before the start of play. Continue reading...

England captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of England's deciding Test match with New Zealand at Trent Bridge

Ben Stokes: England captain retires from international cricket during ongoing New Zealand Test  BBCBen Stokes: England captain to retire from international cricket after New Zealand series  Sky SportsEngland captain Ben Stokes announces retirement from international cricket  Sky NewsEngland v New Zealand: Ben Stokes’ retirement announced during day four – live  The GuardianBen Stokes announces he will retire at the end of the Trent Bridge Test  England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)

Ben Stokes will retire as England Men's Test captain and from international cricket at the end of their series with New Zealand.

Ben Stokes will retire as England Men's Test captain and from international cricket at the end of their series with New Zealand.