New Delhi: Former England captain Andrew Strauss has questioned the timing of Ben Stokes’ retirement announcement, saying he became a “huge distraction” for England during the crucial Test against New Zealand.Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during the final Test at Trent Bridge, and informed his teammates on the morning of the fourth day. The news was announced later in the afternoon while he was bowling. As soon as the announcement was made, the England captain received a standing ovation from the crowd and responded by taking a wicket with the next ball.
However, Strauss felt the announcement should have been made before or after the match.
‘A more rational approach’
While he praised Stokes for all he has achieved, Strauss said the focus during the Test match should remain on the team.“Everyone has the right to withdraw on their own terms, and no one has had that more than Ben, but announcing before or after the game seems a more sensible approach. When you’re in the middle of a game, the only thing that matters is the team’s performance,” Strauss told Fox Sports.With the three-match series tied 1-1, England were struggling to avoid defeat to New Zealand when the announcement was made.
Strauss admitted that he was not happy with the way things had developed.“This seemed to be a major distraction for a team that was struggling to avoid a series defeat, and the cricket in the final session had an ‘end of the semester’ feel to it.”
One of the greatest players in Test cricket
Stokes retires after a distinguished international career in all three formats.In 122 Tests, he scored 7,273 runs at an average of 34.46, including 14 centuries, while also taking 252 wickets at an average of 30.98, with six five-wicket hauls.In 114 ODIs, he made 3463 runs at an average of 41.22, scored five hundreds and took 74 wickets.He also represented England in 43 T20Is, scoring 585 runs and taking 26 wickets.
Elite Company with Jacques Kallis
Stokes leaves the game with several impressive records.He is only the second cricketer in Test history to achieve the rare double of over 7,000 runs and 250 wickets. The only other player to reach this milestone is South African legend Jacques Kallis, who finished with 13,289 runs and 292 wickets.
It controlled India, Australia and the West Indies
Stokes has also had tremendous success against some of the toughest teams in the world.Against India, he scored 1,920 Test runs and picked up 59 wickets.Against Australia, he collected 1,746 runs and took 56 wickets.He also scored 1,339 runs and 43 wickets against the West Indies.Only three other legendary players – Gary Sobers, Kapil Dev and Jacques Kallis – have managed to achieve the feat of scoring 1,000 runs and taking 40 wickets against three different opponents.
King of the Sixes Test
Stokes also rewrote the record books with his aggressive batting.His 138 knocks are the most in Test cricket, making him one of only three players to have reached 100 sixes or more in the format.Of those 138 maximums, 39 came against Australia, the most in six Tests by any player against a single opponent.Despite controversy over the timing of his retirement announcement, Stokes walks away as one of England’s greatest players and one of the finest match-winners the game has ever produced.