The shock retirement of Ben Stokes. Michael Vaughan admits ‘ECB fallout’ played a key role in Cricket News:

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 England’s fourth-day series decider at Trent Bridge, but told his shocked team-mates before the match “reasons why can’t wait” in an emotional dressing room speech.Speaking on the BBC’s Test Match Special, Vaughan said he felt Stokes had lost the confidence of those around him, including the ECB.“I was just thinking about the last two weeks,” Vaughan said. “When you’re the England captain, you have to trust what you’re working for. You have to trust everyone around you, the management, the ECB. “The former England skipper 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.“Honestly I think there is a lack of confidence, and that is the reason for you. I am not saying that this is the only reason why Ben Stokes quit, but all these things, the winter was a difficult winter, there were incidents on and off the field.”Vaughan also pointed to Stokes’ behavior ahead of the opening Test at Lord’s, suggesting the all-rounder was not his usual self. “Even in the build-up to the first Lord’s Test, he didn’t look right. He’s not the Ben Stokes from a few years ago. Then the incident happened, and he’s obviously had a fallout with the ECB in the last week or so. That’s a bit of confidence that he probably lost in them,” added Vaughan.

A look at the international career of Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes has brought down the curtain on a remarkable 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 best of 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 key role in England’s 2019 Cricket World Cup victory. 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.