Ben Stokes brought the curtain down on his illustrious Test career with a surprise retirement announcement during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Although England suffered defeat in the match, Stokes’ outstanding contribution to the game was celebrated by team-mates and opponents alike, with New Zealand captain Tom Latham and long-time England team-mate Joe Root paying heartfelt tributes.Tom Latham on Ben Stokes: “On behalf of the New Zealand cricket team, I just want to congratulate you on an amazing career. You really are a once-in-a-generation player. We’ve had some fierce battles over the years and it’s been a privilege to play against you. Congratulations on a fantastic career my friend. Enjoy your retirement.”Joe Root on playing alongside Stokes: “I’ve been playing cricket with and against Ben since we were 12 years old. He taught me my first swear word the first time I played against him while sledding me. Since then we always get along very well. It will be strange to walk into the locker room and not see him around. He’s been an incredible teammate and friend throughout the journey.”
New Zealand sealed the series in England
New Zealand produced a memorable 160-run victory over England in the third Test at Trent Bridge, sealing the three-match series 2-1 and handing England their first home defeat in a Test series of three or more matches in 14 years. The game was overshadowed by the shock announcement of Ben Stokes’ retirement, with the England captain ending his international career after the competition.After electing to bat first, New Zealand scored 438 in their first innings thanks to magnificent centuries from Devon Conway (157) and Tom Latham (151). England replied with 354, helped by Ben Duckett’s 113, leaving the visitors with an 84-run lead in the first innings.In the second innings, Daryl Mitchell scored a solid unbeaten 100 as he battled several shots, taking New Zealand to a declared 288/9. England were set a daunting target of 373 runs, but their chase never gained any real momentum. Stokes opened the batting in his farewell innings and scored a quickfire 30 off 20 balls, but England were eventually bowled out for 212, trailing by 160 runs.New Zealand’s bowlers shared the spoils with Mitchell Santner claiming a crucial wicket on the final day, while Nathan Smith and substitute Zak Foulkes made significant contributions throughout the game. A 75-run stand between Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson briefly delayed the inevitable before the visitors sealed victory.
