Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket during England’s third Test match against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, bringing an end to a 15-year career in the sport. The 35-year-old all-rounder and England captain revealed his decision in the dressing room before the team resumed play, delivering an emotional address urging his teammates to give their all in the match’s remaining days.

Stokes took a wicket with the very next ball after the announcement, underscoring his enduring impact on the field. He also promoted himself to open the batting in England’s second innings, scoring a brisk 30 runs off 20 balls before being dismissed. England, chasing 373 to win the series, were 103-4 at the close and remained in a challenging position.

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Stokes started his cricket career with Merivale Papanui Cricket Club before moving to England, where he debuted for Durham in 2009. He made his international debut for England two years later in a One Day International against Ireland. Over the course of 122 Tests, he amassed more than 7,200 runs, including 14 centuries, and took 252 wickets. His batting average hovered around 34.5, while his bowling average was just above 31.

Stokes is widely regarded as one of England’s most influential cricketers, credited with altering the game’s dynamics through his aggressive style and dynamic leadership. His career highlights include an unbeaten 84 in the 2019 ODI World Cup final against New Zealand at Lord’s, which secured England’s first-ever World Cup victory, and a remarkable match-winning century at Headingley in the same year during the Ashes series—an innings that is often described as one of the greatest in Test history. Alongside coach Brendon McCullum, Stokes played a key role in developing England’s high-tempo “Bazball” style of Test cricket, which emphasized energetic and attacking play.

Despite his on-field success, Stokes’ career was punctuated by controversy. In 2017, he was involved in a late-night brawl outside a Bristol nightclub, leading to an ECB fine and a ban from the subsequent Ashes tour, although he was later cleared of affray charges. This month, he and teammate Gus Atkinson were at the center of another late-night incident, but Stokes was cleared following an investigation disputing the curfew timing.

Stokes took over the England Test captaincy four years ago, succeeding Joe Root, during a period when the team was struggling. While he oversaw some successes, including the launch of Bazball and the series win against New Zealand earlier this summer, his final Ashes campaign ended in a 4-1 defeat for England.

In his retirement announcement, Stokes indicated that exhaustion and a lack of motivation factored into his decision, stating he had “run out of trips to the well” for the team. He acknowledged the emotional toll the role had taken on him and his family.

Prominent former England captains and commentators expressed surprise at the timing of his retirement, with questions raised about stepping down mid-series. England Cricket Board chief Richard Gould paid tribute to Stokes’ influence both on and off the field, acknowledging his leadership and inspirational role in English cricket over recent years.

With his departure, England loses one of its most decorated all-rounders and a key figure who shaped a transformative era in the sport. The team now faces the challenge of filling a significant leadership and performance void as they continue their international campaign.