Ben Stokes has announced that he will step down as England Men’s Test captain and retire from international cricket at the end of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

The announcement came during an emotional speech to his teammates in the dressing room after the fourth day's play in the ongoing Test. Stokes urged his players to stay focused and give everything in what will be his final two days as England captain.

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“There’s something I know is going to happen over the next two days. These will be my final two days as your captain, and my last representing England."

“The reasons can wait, but I’ve gone back to the well many times for this team, for you boys, and for those who came before. I’ve got one more trip left in me, and the only thing I ask is that everyone here does the same."

“We’ve still got a lot of hard work ahead. All I want is to walk off that field at the end of it, regardless of the result, knowing that this group, every one of you, has given absolutely everything over these two days."

“Not just for me, selfishly, but for this team and for everything we’re building going forward. Put everything into it, all the emotion, all the fight, everything you’ve got. We’ll deal with everything else after this game, because there’s still a hell of a lot to be done. I’ve got a lot more I want to give, and I want all of you to come with me."

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“So, let’s go out there and give absolutely everything for the next two days. That’s my only focus. That’s where all my energy is right now. The emotional side of it is done. Now it’s time to get to work. Come with me."

Stokes made his international debut for England in 2011 in white-ball cricket before playing his first Test during the 2013 Ashes series in Adelaide. He became England's Test captain in April 2022 and helped transform the team's approach with an aggressive and positive style of cricket.


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