The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

England test captain Ben Stokes has retired from international cricket, after a 15-year career. In a shock revelation, which only came to light at the end of the fourth day, the 35-year-old announced a rekindled love for his County Durham, as one of several reasons for quitting the international game.

In 2019, Stokes produced a superb 84 in the World Cup final, helping England win their maiden ODI World Cup title on home soil. A superb 139 not out in The Ashes helped his side gain a test win when they were down and out for long periods in the Headingley test.

Ben Stokes, a legendary all-rounder, arguably one of the best England has produced, managed to become an esteemed captain, too. Collaborating with coach Brendan McCullum, ‘Baz Ball’ was born and the start of a swashbuckling brand of Test Cricket.

This version of the traditional game divided opinion. Loved by the new school and scorned at by the old, but whatever your thought, Stokes was a man who liked to do things his way and on his terms.

A remarkable international career will end on Monday after 15 years, 122 Tests, 114 one-day internationals and 43 T20S. All-format cricketers are a rare breed, but England captain Ben Stokes was just that.

The Dhuram man is and was more than just numbers. They don’t make them like him any more. England have a real challenge on their hands in trying to replace him.