Legendary Sachin Tendulkar has penned down an emotional message for England’s Ben Stokes who retired from international cricket on June 29 with the completion of Test series against New Zealand. Tendulkar expressed that he admires how Stokes brought energy into the game and performed under pressure, showing his fearless intent on the field. The batter with 100 international centuries lauded Stokes’ for trusting his instinct as captain and went on to say that it will be tough for him to stay away from the middle.
“I’ve always admired the way you brought energy into the game. Your positivity, your fearless intent, and the way you shaped moments under pressure stood out every time you walked in. As an all-rounder, you’ve been one of England’s finest, and as a captain, your bold tactics and instinctive reading of the game added a new edge to your side,” Tendulkar wrote on X.
“Wishing you the very best for what comes next. Though knowing you, staying away from the middle might be the hardest part. Good luck for your next innings!”
Stokes announced his retirement in the dressing room on Day 4 of the third Test of the series. The moment after the crowd at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, learned about his retirement, he picked up a wicket next ball. In the run chase of 372, he walked out to open the innings alongside Ben Duckett. He played an entertaining cameo, scoring 30 runs from just 20 balls, featuring a couple of fours and sixes.
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In his farewell Test, England ended up getting bowled out for 212. They lost the third Test by 160 runs and the series. England also stayed at the seventh place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings with their eighth loss from 13 Tests. They have a win percentage of only 24.36 due to 14-point deduction due to slow over rate. Their win percentage is only better than West Indies and Pakistan.
Stokes’ record as Test captain and all-rounder
Stokes has captained England in 44 Tests, won 24, lost 18 whereas two ended in a draw.
The 35-year-old has played 122 Tests and scored 7,273 runs, averaging 34.46. He has 14 Test centuries and 37 fifties. With the ball, he has 252 scalps averaging nearly 31, featuring six fifers.
Who will lead England against Pakistan?
England are set to host Pakistan for a three-Test series starting on August 19. In Stokes’ absence due to nightclub incident, Joe Root took over Test captaincy. Currently, Harry Brook is frontrunner for the captaincy role. Brook has also got the support from Stokes as he bowed out of international cricket.