New Delhi: Former England captain Andrew Strauss doubted the time of Ben Stokes‘ announced his retirement, saying it had been “very confusing” for England during the Test against New Zealand.Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during the final Test at Trent Bridge, informing his teammates on the morning of Day 4. 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 that the announcement could have been made before or after the game.
‘The clear way’
While praising Stokes for everything he has achieved, Strauss said his focus in Test matches must remain on the team.“Everyone has the right to bow to their goals, and no one has made more money than Ben, but announcing the game before or after it seems like a clear way. When you’re in the middle of a match, the only thing that matters is the work of the team,” Strauss said on Fox Sports.With the three-match tie at 1-1, England fought back to avoid defeat to New Zealand when it was announced.Strauss admitted that he was not happy with how it all turned out.“It seems like a huge distraction for a team that is struggling to maintain a multi-match unbeaten streak, and the cricket in the final phase had a ‘time-out’ feel to it.”
One of the fastest bowlers in the game of cricket
Stokes retires after achieving world-class success in all three formats.In 122 Tests, he scored 7,273 runs at an average of 34.46, including 14 years, during which he took 252 wickets at an average of 30.98, with six wickets.In 114 ODIs, he scored 3,463 runs at an average of 41.22, scoring five hundreds and taking 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 amazing records.He is the second cricketer in Test history to reach the milestone of 7,000 runs and 250 wickets. The only other player to reach the milestone is South African legend Jacques Kallis, who finished with 13,289 runs and 292 wickets.
Rulers of India, Australia and the West Indies
Stokes has also excelled against some of the strongest teams in the world.Against India, he scored 1,920 Test runs and took 59 wickets.Against Australia, he scored 1,746 runs and took 56 wickets.He also scored 1,339 runs and 43 wickets against the West Indies.Only three other great players – Gary Sobers, Kapil Dev and Jacques Kallis – have managed to score 1,000 runs and take 40 wickets against three different players.
King of Test sixes
Stokes has also written record books with his aggressive batting.His 138 sixes are the most in Test cricket, making him one of only three players to hit 100 or more sixes.Of those 138 maximums, 39 came against Australia, the highest number of six Test runs scored by any player against a single opposition.Despite the controversy around the time he announced his retirement, Stokes leaves as one of England’s greatest all-rounders and one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever produced.
