The ongoing third Test against New Zealand will be Stokes’ final appearance in international cricket. In a fitting moment, news of his retirement emerged while he was bowling during the match. Moments later, he struck with a wicket, dismissing Jack Fox and drawing applause from teammates and spectators alike.

Stokes leaves the game as one of England’s most influential all-rounders, having played decisive roles in some of the country’s greatest victories across formats. From World Cup triumphs to unforgettable Ashes heroics, his career has been defined by performances under pressure.

Ahead of the fourth day’s play, the England captain reportedly addressed his teammates in an emotional dressing-room speech. Stokes told the squad that he had always given everything for the team and had one final effort left before bringing his international journey to an end.

According to team reports, he urged his teammates to leave nothing behind during the final two days of the match, adding that the emotional part of his decision was over and it was time to focus on the job at hand.

Few players have produced as many defining moments for England as Stokes. His unbeaten 84 in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final remains one of the most celebrated innings in the country’s sporting history. Chasing 242 against New Zealand at Lord’s, England found itself in deep trouble before Stokes guided the match into a Super Over. England eventually lifted the trophy after the dramatic tie-break finish.

Only weeks later, Stokes delivered another masterpiece during the third Ashes Test at Headingley. Chasing 359 against Australia, England appeared destined for defeat at 286 for 9. Stokes responded with a sensational unbeaten 135, steering his side to one of the greatest Test victories ever witnessed.

His reputation as a big-match player grew further in the 2022 T20 World Cup final. Chasing 138 against Pakistan, Stokes remained unbeaten on 52 and guided England to its second T20 World Cup title.

While his cricketing achievements earned widespread admiration, his career was not without controversy.

In 2017, Stokes was arrested following an incident outside a nightclub in Bristol after an ODI against the West Indies. The controversy led to the loss of his vice-captaincy and exclusion from the Ashes squad. Although he was later cleared in court, the England and Wales Cricket Board imposed disciplinary action for bringing the game into disrepute.

More recently, Stokes was linked to a nightclub-related controversy during the ongoing New Zealand Test series in 2026. Reports stated that he and teammate Gus Atkinson breached the team’s curfew after visiting a Chelsea nightclub following England’s victory in the opening Test.

An ECB investigation later cleared Stokes of wrongdoing related to the incident, although he received a written warning for violating team regulations.

Stokes retires with an impressive record across formats. Since making his ODI debut in 2011 and Test debut during the 2013-14 Ashes series, he has become one of England’s most accomplished cricketers.

In 122 Tests, Stokes scored more than 7,000 runs, including 14 centuries and 37 half-centuries, while also taking 252 wickets. He captained England in 44 Test matches after taking over the leadership role in 2022.

He also represented England in 114 One-Day Internationals, scoring 3,463 runs and claiming 74 wickets. In T20 Internationals, he played 43 matches, scoring 585 runs and taking 26 wickets.

As England bids farewell to one of its greatest match-winners, Stokes leaves behind a legacy built on resilience, leadership and unforgettable performances on cricket’s biggest stages.