Ben Stokes has posted one last farewell to international cricket, thanking his fans and team-mates for a “mad 15 years”.
Stokes retired in dramatic, chaotic scenes at Trent Bridge, announcing his exit via an official statement a matter of seconds before he claimed his final England wicket.
It capped a turbulent final chapter for one of the most successful and colourful careers English cricket has seen. He started the summer by overseeing a morale-boosting victory at Lord’s, missed the second Test after over-celebrating at a London nightclub and returned for one last stand in Nottingham after receiving an official conduct warning.
His exit was a frantic affair, concluding with his promotion to open the batting in his final Test innings and a thumping 160-run defeat to New Zealand.
Writing on X after a couple of days away with his family, Stokes made his own personal goodbye to those he has shared the ride with.
“It’s been a mad 15 years. It’s had everything thrown in there, from the highest highs to the lowest lows (on and off the field),” he wrote.
“My time was up, and no one was going to be able to make that decision other than me. But in the meantime, I just want to say I love every single England fan and every single cricket fan who’s supported me over the years.
“I love every single person I’ve walked out onto the field with representing England. I could go on and on, but I hope you get the gist of how much I loved doing what I did for 15 years. I’m looking forward to being a fan and supporting the team, and the odd day in hospitality won’t go amiss.
“Family, friends, teammates, fans…I love yas (sic) all.”
