England Test captain Ben Stokes has confirmed that he will continue playing domestic cricket just hours after announcing his retirement from international cricket. The legendary all-rounder said that his England career is over, but he has no plans to step away from the game completely.
Stokes made the announcement during Day 4 (Sunday) of the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. He promoted himself to open the batting in England’s chase of 373. The left-hander played an attacking knock of 30 runs off 20 balls before being dismissed in his final international innings.
This Decision Is Genuinely the Best Thing for Me Now – Ben Stokes
Speaking to BBC’s Test Match Special, Ben Stokes said that he will continue playing domestic cricket after retiring from international cricket. He believes stepping away from international cricket will help him continue enjoying the sport.
“Yes, I am… (I will be) going back and playing a little bit of county cricket and other opportunities that there is at the moment,” Stokes told BBC’s Test Match Special.
“I absolutely love cricket. Being back with Durham, I found a new lease of life with my connection with cricket and I couldn’t get that feeling back here this week as much as I was trying.”
“This decision is genuinely the best thing for me now. It’s going to allow me to still love this game. I’m very excited about going back playing for my boyhood club Durham,” he added.
Ben Stokes Ends England Career After Memorable Test Captaincy
Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket ahead of the tea break on Day 4 of the third Test in Nottingham. He captained the Test side in 44 matches, winning 24 of them and finishing with an impressive win percentage of 54.54.
Although his international career has ended, Stokes confirmed that he will continue playing domestic cricket. The all-rounder plans to represent Durham and is also expected to explore opportunities in franchise T20 leagues around the world.
Injuries played a major role in Stokes’ decision. He recently underwent facial surgery before the English summer and has also dealt with multiple knee and hamstring injuries during his career, making it increasingly difficult to continue at the international level.
Ben Stokes Signs Off with Attacking Final Innings for England
Ben Stokes brought the curtain down on his England career in trademark fashion. Chasing 373 after New Zealand declared at 288/9, he promoted himself to open the batting and received a guard of honour from the New Zealand players before taking strike.
The left-hander played an aggressive knock of 30 from just 20 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. His innings ended when Daryl Mitchell caught him at mid-on off Zak Foulkes, with the Trent Bridge crowd giving him a standing ovation as he walked off in his final international innings.
Stokes retires as one of England’s greatest all-rounders. He recently became only the second player after Jacques Kallis to score more than 7,000 Test runs and take over 250 Test wickets. He also played key roles in England’s ODI and T20 World Cup triumphs and finished his Test career with 14 centuries and six five-wicket hauls.
Go to Source
Author: Sai Vaitla
