Ben Stokes has been hailed as a “talisman of English cricket” after announcing his shock international retirement.
The England captain will bring the curtain down on an extraordinary international career at the end of the Rothesay Series decider against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Former team-mate Stuart Broad said on commentary for Sky Sports: “(He is) a talisman of English cricket. He will be remembered wearing that Three Lions with a crown on top very proudly.
“A complete match-winner, someone that won’t look at the numbers, look at the moments of his career.
“Someone that’s always there in the big moments of games, giving absolutely everything.”
Stokes fittingly went on to take a wicket with his first ball after the news was made public, catching the edge of Zak Foulkes and Harry Brook gobbling up a low chance at second slip.
Broad added: “What a magical moment. Who writes his scripts?”
England’s Ashes 2005-winning captain Michael Vaughan said on the BBC’s Test Match Special: “That was an immediate reminder of what England are going to miss.
“That’s exactly why he is a great, and incredible player.
“I am still completely stunned. I just didn’t see it coming, but I did see the wicket coming because he has done that throughout his entire career. Whenever England need something, he has always delivered.”
England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson was also full of praise for the two-time World Cup winner.
Thompson said: “Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation.
“His performances under pressure, his relentless competitiveness and his ability to produce the extraordinary when it matters most have given me and millions of other fans memories that will endure forever.
“Whether inspiring victory in the biggest moments – not least driving England to World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022 and his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley – or leading the Test team with courage and conviction, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket.
“Beyond his remarkable achievements on the field, his performances have inspired many youngsters to embrace cricket with positivity and belief. We are losing a batsman, a bowler, a captain and a talisman.”
