Former England captain Andrew Strauss has said Ben Stokes had every right to retire on his own terms, but questioned the timing of the announcement during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Strauss felt the decision, revealed while England were still trying to save the match, became a major distraction at a critical stage of the game.

“You have every right to bow out on your own terms. But announcing before or after the game seems like a more sensible approach. When you are in the middle of a match, the only thing that matters is the performance of the team.”

England head coach Brendon McCullum also admitted he tried to persuade Stokes to delay the decision. Speaking after the Test, McCullum said he told the England all-rounder to slow down and think again, but Stokes was certain he had reached the end of the road.

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McCullum described the brief exchange as emotional, with both men sitting in silence before Stokes reaffirmed that he was “done.” “I tried to talk him out of it. I said, ‘Slow down’. And he said, ‘No, Baz, I am done.’” 

Stokes’ retirement brought an end to a career defined by pressure-hitting, match-winning spells and fearless leadership. He walked out to open the batting in his final international innings and made a brisk 30 before England’s chase of 373 collapsed, handing New Zealand a 2-1 series win and England their first home Test series defeat in three or more matches since 2012.

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The tributes have poured in since then, with Sachin Tendulkar leading the praise from India. Tendulkar called Stokes one of England’s finest all-rounders and lauded the energy, positivity and boldness he brought to the field. He also joked that staying away from the middle might be the hardest part of life after international cricket. 

“Good luck for your next innings.”