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Ben Stokes to Retire From International Cricket After Trent Bridge Test

Stokes says burnout has driven his choice to step away to preserve his love for the game, leaving England with an immediate captaincy vacancy and selection challenges.

Cricket - England v New Zealand - Third Test - Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, Britain - June 28, 2026 England's Ben Stokes walks onto the pitch after the tea break Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Ben Stokes after being dismissed at Test level for the final time.
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Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of England's third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Overview

  • England announced during the fourth day of the Trent Bridge Test that captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket at the end of the match, and he took the wicket of Zak Foulkes with the first ball after the news reached the ground.
  • Stokes told team‑mates in the dressing room before play on Sunday that he needed to step away to protect his enjoyment of the sport, and he plans to continue playing county cricket for Durham.
  • The retirement follows a week in which Stokes was dropped for the second Test after a late‑night nightclub incident; the ECB issued written warnings and the independent Cricket Regulator found insufficient evidence of violent conduct.
  • His exit ends a 15‑year England career that included 122 Tests, match‑winning performances such as the 2019 World Cup and Headingley 2019, and four years as Test captain during the Bazball era.
  • England now face an immediate leadership decision with vice‑captain Harry Brook and former captain Joe Root discussed as options, and selectors must also address the loss of an experienced all‑rounder ahead of upcoming tours.