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 a defeat in the match, Stokes’ remarkable contributions to the game were celebrated by teammates and opponents alike, with New Zealand captain Tom Latham and long-time England teammate 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’re truly a once-in-a-generation player. We’ve shared some fierce battles over the years, and it’s been a privilege to play against you. Congratulations on a fantastic career, mate. Enjoy your retirement.”Joe Root on playing alongside Stokes: “I’ve played 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 sledging me. We’ve always got on really well ever since. It’s going to feel strange walking into the dressing room and not seeing him around. He’s been an incredible teammate and friend throughout the journey.”
New Zealand seals the series in England
New Zealand clinched 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 Test series defeat of three or more matches in 14 years. The match was overshadowed by Ben Stokes’ shock retirement announcement, with the England captain bringing an end to his international career after the contest.After electing to bat first, New Zealand posted 438 in their first innings thanks to magnificent centuries from Devon Conway (157) and Tom Latham (151). England replied with 354, powered by Ben Duckett’s 113, leaving the visitors with an 84-run first-innings lead.In the second innings, Daryl Mitchell produced a gritty unbeaten 100 while battling through several blows, steering New Zealand to 288/9 declared. England were set a daunting 373-run target, but their chase never truly gained momentum. Stokes opened the batting in his farewell innings and scored a brisk 30 off 20 balls, but England eventually folded for 212, falling 160 runs short.New Zealand’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mitchell Santner claiming crucial wickets on the final day, while Nathan Smith and concussion substitute Zak Foulkes made telling contributions throughout the match. A 75-run stand between Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson briefly delayed the inevitable before the visitors wrapped up the victory.
