"My time was up": Ben Stokes bids emotional farewell to England after 15 years career
London, July 3
Former England skipper Ben Stokes reflected on his 15-year journey with England, describing it as an emotional and eventful career filled with extreme highs and lows, both on and off the field.
Ben Stokes, one of England's modern-day cricketing icons, has announced his retirement from international cricket, following the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge earlier this week.
He said the decision to step away was entirely his own and came at the right time, with no outside influence. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career, including England fans, teammates, friends, and family.
Stokes said he cherished every moment of representing England and will now look forward to watching and supporting the team from the outside, while appreciating the memories and relationships built over his playing career.
"It's been a mad 15 years. It's had everything thrown in there, from the highest highs to the lowest lows (on and off the field). My time was up, and no one was going to be able to make that decision other than me. But in the meantime, I just want to say I [?] every single England fan and every single cricket fan who's supported me over the years," Stokes wrote in an X post.
"I [?] every single person I've walked out onto the field with representing England. I could go on and on, but I hope you get the gist of how much I loved doing what I did for 15 years. I'm looking forward to being a fan and supporting the team, and the odd day in hospitality won't go amiss. Family, friends, teammates, fans... I [?] yas all. Stokesy," he added.
The decision brings the curtain down on a glittering 15-year international career that began in 2011 and included four years as England's Test captain.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian fan, I have immense respect for Stokes. His aggression, his passion, his never-say-die attitude — that's what made him special. But I do feel he could have played a bit longer, especially given England's transition phase. Still, mad respect for knowing when to walk away. 👏
Stokes was the heartbeat of that England Test team after the 2015 Ashes debacle. Along with Root, he rebuilt the side. That 2019 World Cup final? Still gives me goosebumps. What an ambassador for the game! Wishing him all the best for his post-retirement life. 🏆
I'm a bit surprised he's retiring now. At 33, he still has some good years left. But I respect his decision — mental health is important, and the schedule is brutal these days. He's given everything to English cricket. Thank you, Ben, for the memories!
Stokes's career had everything — the highs of the 2019 World Cup and Ashes, the lows of the Bristol incident and his father's passing. Through it all, he remained a fighter. Reminds me of our own Kapil Dev in terms of impact. Virat and Stokes — two warriors who defined an era. 🙏
Honestly, I think this is premature. England's Test team is already struggling, and losing a leader like Stokes will hurt. But he knows his body best. Maybe Bazball took too much out of him? Either way, an all-time great. Cheers to you, Stokesy! 🍻
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