“Once in a generation player”. Tom Latham, Joe Root pay heartfelt tributes after Ben Stokes shock retirement Cricket News:
Ben Stokes brought the curtain down on his illustrious Test career with a surprise retirement announcement during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Although England lost the match, Stokes’ outstanding contribution to the game was celebrated by teammates and opponents alike, with New Zealand captain Tom Latham and long-time England teammate Joe Root paying heartfelt tributes.Tom Latham in Ben Stokes. “On behalf of the New Zealand cricket team, I just want to congratulate you on an amazing career. A true once-in-a-generation player. We’ve shared some fierce battles over the years, and it’s been a privilege to play against you. Congratulations on an amazing career, mate. Enjoy your retirement.”Joe Root to play alongside Stokes. “I’ve been playing cricket with and against Ben since we were 12 years old. He taught me my first swear the first time I played with him while sledding me. We’ve been pretty good ever since. It felt strange walking into the dressing room and not seeing him around. He has been an amazing teammate and friend throughout the journey.
New Zealand sealed the series in England
New Zealand secured a memorable 160-run victory over England in the third Test at Trent Bridge, sealing the three-match series 2-1 and handing England their first home Test series defeat of three or more matches in 14 years. The match was overshadowed by the shock announcement of Ben Stokes’ retirement, with the England captain ending his international career after the match.After electing to bat first, New Zealand posted 438 in their first innings thanks to magnificent centuries from Devon Conway (157) and Tom Latham (151). England replied with 354, powered by Ben Duckett’s 113, leaving the visitors with an 84-run first-innings lead.In the second innings, Daryl Mitchell made a blistering unbeaten 100 while battling a number of blows, driving New Zealand to 288/9 declared. England set a daunting 373-run target, but their chase never gained momentum. Stokes opened the batting in his farewell innings and scored a powerful 30 off 20 balls, but England eventually folded for 212, falling by 160 runs.New Zealand’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mitchell Santner claiming crucial wickets on the final day, while Nathan Smith and concussion substitute Zak Foulkes made telling contributions throughout the match. A 75-run stand between Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson briefly delayed the inevitable before the visitors wrapped up victory.
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