Ben Stokes’ shock retirement from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand continues to dominate the headlines, with former England captain Michael Vaughan suggesting that a breakdown in trust between Stokes and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may have played a significant role in the all-rounder’s decision.Stokes has not spoken publicly since announcing his decision midway through day four of England’s decider at Trent Bridge, but told his shocked teammates before the game that “the reasons why can wait” in an emotional dressing room speech.Speaking on the BBC’s Test Match Special programme, Vaughan said he felt Stokes had lost faith in the people around him, including the ECB.“I just think about the last two weeks,” Vaughan said. “When you’re England captain, you have to trust those you work with. You have to trust everyone around you, the management, the ECB.”The former England captain stressed that he was not suggesting the reported fall was the only reason for Stokes’ retirement, but believed it was one of several contributing factors.“Honestly I think there’s a lack of confidence, and that drives you. I’m not saying that’s going to be the only reason why Ben Stokes has stepped down, but all those things, it’s been a tough winter, there’s been incidents on and off the pitch.”Vaughan also pointed to Stokes’ behavior before the opening Test at Lord’s, suggesting the all-rounder appeared not to be his usual self. “Even in the build-up to that first Test at Lord’s, he didn’t look quite right. He wasn’t quite the Ben Stokes of a few years ago. Then the incident happened and he’s obviously fallen out with the ECB over the last week. He probably lost confidence in them because of that,” Vaughan added.
A look at Ben Stokes’ international career
Ben Stokes has brought the curtain down on a remarkable 15-year international career as one of England’s greatest all-rounders. In 122 Tests, he scored 7243 runs at an average of 34.49, including 14 centuries and a career-best 258, with 252 wickets. In 114 one-day internationals, Stokes amassed 3,463 runs at an average of 41.23, with five centuries, and took 74 wickets, playing a key role in England’s triumph at the 2019 Cricket World Cup. He also represented England in 43 T20 Internationals, scoring 585 runs and taking 26 wickets, including an unbeaten 52 in the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup that sealed another ICC title.
