Ben Stokes steps down as England Test captain, announces international retirement

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket and stepped down as England's Test captain, effective after the ongoing series against New Zealand. The 35-year-old all-rounder will play his final match for England in the third Test at Trent Bridge, which began on Thursday.

Stokes, who led England's Test team since 2022, informed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of his decision during the fourth day of the series decider. His retirement ends a distinguished international career spanning over a decade, during which he became one of England's most iconic cricketers.

What was said

ECB chair Richard Thompson paid tribute to Stokes, saying: '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.'

• Stokes will retire after the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge
• He steps down as England Test captain, a role he held since 2022
• Stokes was instrumental in England's 2019 Cricket World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup wins
• His iconic 135* at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes is considered one of the greatest Test innings
• ECB chair Richard Thompson hailed Stokes as a 'talismanic figure' who inspired a generation

What's next

Stokes' departure leaves a leadership void in England's Test side. The ECB is expected to name a new captain in the coming weeks, with vice-captain Ollie Pope among the frontrunners. Stokes will continue playing domestic cricket, including for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, but his international career concludes at Trent Bridge.