All-rounder Ben Stokes shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement from international cricket during the fourth day of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The surprise decision brought the curtain down on the all-rounder's successful career as England captain across all formats.
New Zealand secured a 160-run victory to win the series 2-1. It was England's seventh defeat in their last nine Test matches, increasing pressure on the team and drawing criticism from fans and former players. It is worth noting that Stokes was dropped from the squad for the second Test for a nightclub incident.
The Nightclub Incident... Was the Final Push - Alastair Cook on Ben Stokes' Retirement
Ben Stokes' retirement came just weeks after a nightclub incident involving him and fast bowler Gus Atkinson following England's opening Test win. Although both players were cleared of any violent conduct, the England and Wales Cricket Board found them in breach of team rules.
Former England captain Alastair Cook believes the incident played a major role in Stokes' decision to retire. Cook said that the combination of the Ashes disappointment, reported differences with head coach Brendon McCullum, and the off-field controversy pushed Stokes toward his final decision.
“He hasn’t just woken up and thought about it – he’s had four months off and come back and hasn’t enjoyed it and felt something different. Whether that’s to do with the fallout from the Ashes, him and McCullum not on the same hymn sheet and it became awkward, then the nightclub incident. He was teetering on the edge and that was the final push,” Cook said on the Stick To Cricket podcast.
The Board Have Been Quiet - David Lloyd Questions ECB's Handling of Ben Stokes' Retirement
Ben Stokes' retirement has left England searching for a new Test captain. Head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key must decide who will lead the side, with Harry Brook and Joe Root emerging as the leading candidates.
Former England cricketer and commentator David Lloyd suggested there could be deeper issues behind the scenes and questioned the board's silence after the announcement.
“What if he’s utterly pissed off with his employers? I think there will be more to come out because from the adulation of his teammates and around the world, it seems significant that the board have been quiet,” Lloyd said.
Enough Is Enough - Michael Vaughan Slams Brendon McCullum After England's Decline
Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized head coach Brendon McCullum following Ben Stokes' retirement. Vaughan said that England's recent Test performances have fallen well below expectations and called for major changes to improve the team's results.
“Enough is enough. English cricket has got to be better than that. I’ve written about it, I think Baz McCullum is a great guy – but he’s not a great coach.”
“To get to the top, that’s what we should all be aiming for as ex-players and fans. England cricket should be aiming to be the number one team in the world. At the minute, where are we ranked? Seventh and we’ve won two games in 10 matches. Those wins have come at Lord’s on a cesspit and the MCG, which was a two-dayer... so the only two games that we’ve won have been on farmer’s fields.”
