Ben Stokes retires from Test cricket, Durham coach praises his commitment

By Lewis Hartnell · Senior Football Correspondent · 30.06.2026

By Lewis Hartnell — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Stokes’ Test Career Concludes

Ben Stokes, the all-rounder, has retired from Test cricket, with his final match concluding on Sunday afternoon against New Zealand. His last appearance saw him as an opener, though he ultimately departs the Test arena having played at number seven, a position he adopted at the beginning of the New Zealand series. Stokes had previously indicated that this move was partly to allow Jamie Smith, England‘s keeper-batter, to perform optimally, noting his own approaching age.

During his final year in the sport, Stokes achieved five-wicket hauls against both India and Australia, securing 34 Test wickets at an average of 25. His batting contributions included a 14th and final hundred at Old Trafford. Despite these moments, his strike rate in the Ashes series was 37.

Stokes’ career has been marked by moments of significant impact. In 2019, he scored 135 not out at Headingley after a slow start. That same summer, he made a half-century in the World Cup final at Lord’s, followed by 34 runs off his next 17 balls. His first Test hundred came as a 22-year-old on a Waca pitch during the 2013/14 Ashes series against Mitchell Johnson.

His prime period is often identified as 2019-2020, where he was named player of the series against Australia at home and then South Africa away. During this time, Stokes maintained a Test batting average of over 50 and a bowling average under 30 over a two-year span. He also holds the record for the most Test wickets as England captain, surpassing Bob Willis, a feat achieved after undergoing hamstring surgery.

Commitment to Durham

Following his retirement from Test cricket, Ben Stokes has committed to continuing his career with Durham. Ryan Campbell, Durham‘s head coach, expressed that the club was flattered by Stokes’ positive remarks about his time with them. Stokes had previously mentioned that playing for Durham in a County Championship game against Northamptonshire, during a suspension from a Test match, had reignited his passion for the game.

Campbell and the Durham players learned of Stokes’ decision during their T20 victory over Middlesex on Sunday. The coach has since communicated with Stokes regarding his availability for Durham in the One-Day Cup, especially since he is not affiliated with a team in The Hundred. There are six rounds remaining in the County Championship, which is set to resume in August, with Durham currently leading Division Two by 32 points.

Campbell indicated that Stokes is scheduled to participate in the One-Day Cup and potentially some Championship matches. Despite some speculation about a potential return to England duty for next summer’s Ashes, Campbell believes Stokes’ international career, spanning nearly 15 years, has concluded. With over 7,000 Test runs and 258 wickets, Stokes is recognized as a significant figure in the sport.

Stokes’ focus in recent years has been entirely on the long form of the game, having not played white-ball cricket for the past two years. He will continue to play for Durham, embracing a role in county cricket. His retirement from Test cricket was announced on Sunday afternoon against New Zealand.

Source: theguardian.com

Lewis Hartnell

Senior Football Correspondent

As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”