Stokes’ final international appearance
Ben Stokes‘ final international match saw New Zealand nearing a series victory over England at the close of the fourth day at Trent Bridge. England finished on 103-4, still needing 270 runs to secure a 2-1 series win after New Zealand declared their second innings on 288-9. The match marks the end of the Stokes captaincy era.
England, led by Stokes, showed intent during the evening session, but the loss of four wickets put New Zealand in a strong position heading into the final day. Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on nine, expressed confidence, stating that the team was still very much in the game and had reduced some of the immediate pressure.
Key moments from the fourth day
Stokes announced his retirement during an afternoon bowling spell and then opened the batting to pursue a victory target of 373. He hit a six off the 11th ball of the innings, which is the earliest an England player has hit a six in a Test. He scored 30 runs off 20 balls, including another six, before being dismissed by Zak Foulkes, receiving a standing ovation.
Following Stokes’ dismissal, Jacob Bethell was out for a duck, and Harry Brook, who is a contender to succeed Stokes as Test captain, followed with 21 runs off nine balls. Brook hit his first ball for a six, giving Foulkes his third wicket. Ben Duckett was dismissed by Ben Sears in the penultimate over, leaving England at 103-4 after 15 overs.
For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell scored an unbeaten 100 runs off 241 balls, overcoming several impacts to his body to achieve his sixth Test century. He hit ten fours and one six during his nearly seven-hour stay at the crease. Sears, who had retired hurt with a finger injury, returned to bat at the fall of the ninth wicket to help Mitchell reach his milestone. Earlier, Mitchell had a crucial 129-run fourth-wicket partnership with Rachin Ravindra, who scored 94.
Ravindra noted that the team focused on accumulating runs and absorbing pressure, which ultimately paid off, particularly for Mitchell. He also acknowledged England’s aggressive start but praised his team’s bowlers for securing four wickets by the close of play.
Stokes’ international career highlights
Stokes’ retirement concludes a 15-year international career. He is known for his resilience, passion, and ability to perform under pressure. His career is marked by several significant performances.
One notable performance was his 120 against Australia in Perth in 2013 during the Ashes. At 22 years old, he scored his maiden Test century in his second appearance for England, forming crucial partnerships with Ian Bell and Matt Prior against a strong Australian pace attack. His century was England’s first of the series and only the third by an English batter in Perth since 1987. Although England lost the Test and the Ashes, this match highlighted Stokes’ potential for big occasions.
In 2016, Stokes made his ICC Men’s T20 World Cup debut in the semi-final against an unbeaten New Zealand side in Delhi. He delivered a superb spell, taking 3/26, conceding only three runs in the 20th over, and running out Mitchell McClenaghan. His performance helped restrict New Zealand to 153/8, enabling England to chase the target and reach the final.
Another significant bowling performance came in 2017 against the West Indies at Lord’s. With the series tied, Stokes produced his finest Test bowling figures of 6/22. He dismantled the West Indies batting line-up, taking key wickets and earning a place on both the batting and bowling honours boards at Lord’s. He also scored a half-century, contributing to England’s nine-wicket victory and series win.
The 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final at Lord’s saw Stokes score an unbeaten 84 against New Zealand. England, chasing 241/8, were under pressure at 86/4. Stokes and Jos Buttler built a 110-run partnership. In the final over, with 15 runs needed, Stokes hit a six and benefited from four overthrows due to a deflection. The match went to a Super Over, where Stokes and Buttler helped England post 15 runs, leading to England’s maiden World Cup title. Stokes was named Player of the Match for his performance.
Barely a month after the World Cup win, Stokes delivered another memorable performance in the Ashes at Headingley in 2019. Chasing a target of 359, England were 286/9, still needing 73 runs with only Jack Leach remaining. Stokes launched a counterattack, scoring 19 runs in one over to reach his century and hitting two sixes. Despite missed opportunities by Australia, Stokes guided England to a victory, with Leach scampering for a single to level the scores.
If England can secure a series win against New Zealand, it would provide a fitting send-off for Ben Stokes.
Source: icc-cricket.com
