End of an Era: Ben Stokes Stuns Cricket with Sudden International Retirement

England: England Test captain and legendary all-rounder Ben Stokes has announced he will retire from all forms of international cricket following the conclusion of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The 35-year-old, who led England to historic triumphs including the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, shared the decision with his teammates in the dressing room on day four of the match, bringing a definitive end to a decorated 15-year international career.

When he announced?

Ben Stokes announced his retirement on the fourth day of the Test at Trent Bridge against New Zealand. After this Test, he walks away from international cricket. Stokes told his teammates before play started. The ECB confirmed it after.

How was his career?

He made his England debut in white-ball cricket in 2011. His Test debut came in 2013 during the Ashes in Adelaide. He has been captain since April 2022. He had a career full of big moments. He won the 2019 World Cup. He won the 2022 World Cup. He won the Ashes at Headingley in 2019. Stokes scored 84 against New Zealand. That took the match to a Super Over. England won in that match. It was their first World Cup ever.

What were his best scores?

Days later he scored 135 at Headingley, against Australia. England won by one wicket. One of the greatest innings ever. His highest Test score was 258 against South Africa in Cape Town in 2016. He could bat and bowl. He could do everything. That made him dangerous.

How was his leadership?

As a captain, he changed England's Test cricket. He made them attack, along with made them bold. He prepared team to play hard with no  fear. With coach Brendon McCullum they started the Bazball era. England became fun to watch and became winners again.

What he did?

Richard Thompson, ECB chair, said, "Ben Stokes is one of England's greatest cricketers. He produced extraordinary performances under pressure. He drove England to two World Cups. He won the Ashes. He led the team with courage."

"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."

What was his injuries?

Stokes had hamstring problems and shoulder problems. He missed the time but he kept coming back. He kept fighting and leaves behind a way of playing. That will stay with English cricket long after he is gone.