Ben Stokes announces mid-match retirement, England faces series loss
7 verified3 unconfirmed
England captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during day four of the deciding Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, creating one of the most dramatic days in English cricket history. He took a wicket with the first ball he bowled after the announcement and later opened the batting, scoring 30 off 20 balls before being dismissed. New Zealand declared their second innings at 288-9, led by an unbeaten 100 from Daryl Mitchell, setting England a target of 373. England reached stumps on 103-4, needing 270 more runs on the final day. The series is tied 1-1, and England are facing their first home Test series defeat in a series of three or more matches since 2012. Stokes ends his Test career with 7,273 runs and 252 wickets, one of only two players to achieve the double of 7,000 runs and 250 wickets.
What’s verified
Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during the afternoon session of day four.
He took a wicket with the first ball he bowled after the public announcement.
Stokes opened the batting in England’s run chase and scored 30 from 20 balls, hitting two sixes and two fours.
New Zealand declared their second innings at 288-9 after Daryl Mitchell scored an unbeaten 100.
England closed on 103-4, needing 270 more to win a target of 373.
The series is tied 1-1, and England face their first home series defeat in a Test series of three or more matches since 2012.
Stokes had been England’s Test captain for four years and retires with 7,273 runs and 252 wickets in Test cricket.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that Stokes left the field holding his bat and helmet aloft after his final innings.
One source reported that Daryl Mitchell was hit on the helmet, body, or hands 13 times during his century.
It is not clear from the sources whether Stokes will remain involved in cricket in any capacity after his retirement.
Key figures
Ben Stokes, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Emilio Gay, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Nathan Smith, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Michael Atherton, Stuart Broad
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports, abcnews.com
