Ben Stokes’ shock retirement from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand continues to dominate the headlines, with former England captain Michael Vaughan suggesting that a breakdown in trust between Stokes and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may have played a significant role in the all-rounder’s decision.Stokes has not spoken publicly since announcing his decision midway through day four of England’s series decider at Trent Bridge, but told his shocked team-mates before the game that “reasons why can wait” in an emotional dressing room speech.Speaking on the BBC’s Test Match Special, Vaughan said he felt Stokes had lost faith in the people around him, including the ECB.“I just think about the last two weeks,” Vaughan said. “When you’re England captain, you have to trust those you work with. You have to trust everyone around you, the management, the ECB.”The former England captain stressed that he did not claim the reported fall was the sole reason for Stokes’ retirement, but believed it was one of several contributing factors.“I honestly think there was a lack of confidence, and that triggers you. I’m not saying that will be the only reason why Ben Stokes has given up, but all these things, the winter was a tough winter, there were incidents on the pitch and off the pitch.”Vaughan also pointed to Stokes’ attitude ahead of the opening Test at Lord’s, suggesting the all-rounder does not appear to be his usual self. “Even in the build-up to that first Test at Lord’s, he didn’t look good. He wasn’t quite the Ben Stokes from a few years ago. Then the incident happened, and he’s clearly had a falling out with the ECB over the last week or so. That’s a bit of the confidence he’s probably lost in them,” Vaughan added.
The international career of Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes has brought down the curtain on an extraordinary 15-year international career as one of England’s greatest all-rounders. Across 122 Tests, he scored 7,243 runs at an average of 34.49, including 14 centuries and a career-high 258, while also claiming 252 wickets. In 114 One Day Internationals, Stokes amassed 3,463 runs at an average of 41.23, with five centuries, and took 74 wickets, playing a crucial role in England’s 2019 Cricket World Cup triumph. He also represented England in 43 T20 Internationals, scoring 585 runs and taking 26 wickets, including an unbeaten 52 in the 2022 T20 World Cup final that sealed another ICC title.
