NEW DELHI: Former England captain Andrew Strauss questioned the timing Ben Stokes‘ retirement announcement, saying it had become a “huge distraction” for England during the deciding Test against New Zealand.Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during the final Test at Trent Bridge, informing his teammates on the morning of the fourth day. The news was announced later in the afternoon while he was bowling. As soon as the announcement was made, the English captain received a standing ovation from the crowd and retaliated with a goal on the very next ball.However, Strauss felt that the announcement should have been made either before or after the match.
‘A more sensitive approach’
While praising Stokes for all he has achieved, Strauss said the focus during the Test match should remain on the team.“Everyone has the right to quit on their own terms, and no one deserved it more than Ben, but announcing before or after the game seems like a more sensitive approach. When you’re in the middle of a game, the only thing that matters is the team’s performance,” Strauss said on Fox Sports.With the three-match series level at 1-1, England were struggling to avoid a series defeat against New Zealand when the announcement was made.Strauss admitted that he was not satisfied with the way things turned out.“It seems like a huge distraction to a team that has been struggling to avoid a losing streak and the cricket has had an ‘end of season’ feel to it in the last session.”
One of the greatest all-rounders in Test cricket
Stokes retires after an excellent international career in all three formats.In 122 Tests, he scored 7273 runs at an average of 34.46, including 14 centuries, while also taking 252 wickets at an average of 30.98, with six five-wicket hauls.In 114 ODIs, he made 3463 runs at an average of 41.22, taking five hundreds and 74 wickets.He also represented England in 43 T20Is, scoring 585 runs and taking 26 wickets.
Elite company with Jacques Kallis
Stokes leaves the game with several outstanding records.He is only the second cricketer in Test history to achieve the rare double feat of more than 7,000 runs and 250 wickets. The only other player to reach this milestone is South African legend Jacques Kallis, who finished with 13,289 runs and 292 wickets.
He dominated India, Australia and the West Indies
Stokes has also enjoyed tremendous success against some of the world’s strongest teams.Against India he scored 1920 test runs and took 59 wickets.Against Australia he collected 1746 runs and took 56 wickets.He also scored 1339 runs and 43 wickets against West Indies.Only three other legendary all-rounders — Gary Sobers, Kapil Dev and Jacques Kallis — have managed to score 1,000 runs and 40 wickets against three different opponents.
King of test sixes
Stokes also rewrote the record books with his aggressive batting.His 138 sixes are the most by any player in Test cricket, making him one of only three players to hit 100 or more sixes in the format.Of those 138 maximums, 39 came against Australia, the most Test sixes by any player against a single opponent.Despite the debate over when his retirement will be announced, Stokes leaves as one of England’s greatest all-rounders and one of the best match-winners the game has produced.
