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Ben Stokes' decision to retire from international cricket at the age of just 35 has surprised the entire cricket world. The England Test captain and all-rounder had announced his call in the middle of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, bringing an end to his celebrated 15-year career.
During his illustrious career, Ben Stokes won the 2019 ICC World Cup and the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup. However, the star all-rounder has confirmed that he will continue playing domestic cricket.
Many former and current cricketers have reacted to the shocking announcement made by one of England’s greatest all-rounders. Among them is former Australia captain Steve Waugh.
Test cricket will miss him: Steve Waugh salutes Ben Stokes after retirement
Steve Waugh hailed Ben Stokes for everything he has done for England and Test cricket over the years. The legendary Australian batter also spoke about India's teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is currently in England for India’s ongoing five-match T20I series.
Waugh said Stokes has been one of England's greatest match-winners, saying the all-rounder has delivered many memorable moments during his career. The Australian legend feels Test cricket will miss a player like Stokes because of the fearless way he played.
Steve Waugh said on SNTV, “He's shown a lot. Ben Stokes has been a hero for England. He's done some incredible things that no one else has done in the history of the game. So, I'm personally sad to see him retire because I think he's great for Test cricket. He got me watching Test cricket regularly, the way he played and the way England played.”
Steve Waugh predicts a surprise Ben Stokes comeback for the Ashes 2027
Despite Stokes making it clear that he won’t take a U-turn, Waugh believes that there is still a small chance that the England star could return for next year's Ashes series against Australia. He feels it would be great for the game if Stokes decides to return to the international arena.
The Aussie legend continued, “So, he's done an amazing thing for Test cricket, and it's a shame. I would love to have seen him next year taking on the Australians in the Ashes. I've got a sneaking feeling that maybe he might make a comeback for the Ashes. I mean, it would be great to see.”
Steve Waugh hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless rise
During the same conversation, Steve Waugh also spoke about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The former Australian captain said that it is very rare to see a teenager have such a big impact on the game.
He believes Sooryavanshi is already changing T20 cricket with his fearless batting and positive approach. Amid this, S Badrinath questions Sanju Samson's place and demands Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut.
Waugh said, “I guess the one that's capturing everyone's imagination is Sooryavanshi from India, the 15-year-old kid. I mean, what he's doing is something that's never been done before. Very, very rarely do you see someone change your sport, and he's changed the T20 sport already at the age of 15.”
Steve Waugh says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is inspiring a new generation of cricketers
The former Australian icon was really impressed by the youngster's confidence. He feels Vaibhav plays without fear, and his success at such a young age shows that confidence and fearless cricket can help players achieve special things.
He signed off by saying, “So that is a truly incredible achievement. So, he's someone that you look up to and go, "I can't believe you're doing this," but he's got no fear and just goes about it. And that obviously lays down the platform for current players to go out there and not be afraid to try change, to do things a bit differently.”
Steve Waugh on Ben Stokes’ retirement and how Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is transforming T20 cricket..speaking to SNTV pic.twitter.com/4DCnHR7gQ5
— Raj Mohan (@Non_rights) July 3, 2026
