PCA pays tribute to Stokes

The PCA has reflected on the incredible career of England Test captain Ben Stokes after he announced his retirement.

PCA President Eoin Morgan, Chair Olly Hannon-Dalby and Chief Executive Daryl Mitchell have all heaped praise on the former England skipper.

The 35-year-old played 122 times for England in the longest format, scoring 7,273 runs, completing 14 centuries, with a highest score of 258, and finished his tenure as the leading six-hitter in Test history clearing the ropes 138 times.

During his final appearance he became only the second player to score over 7,000 runs and take 250 wickets in Test match cricket, joining Jacques Kallis, as the all-rounder ended with 252 wickets, including six five-fers and best figures of 6-22, alongside 115 catches.

Stokes informed his teammates during day four of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on his decision to retire.

In typical Stokes fashion, he then took a wicket with his first ball after the announcement was made public.

An all-format player, the Durham-man represented his nation 114 times in ODI cricket and won 43 caps in IT20s, resulting in 279 England appearances that included 11,321 runs and 352 wickets.

Guiding England to 24 Test victories from his 44 games, only Mike Brearley has a higher win percentage record of captains leading more than 15 Tests for England.

Stokes’s achievements will be fondly remembered, notably guiding England to their first ever 50-over World Cup title at Lord’s in 2019 with an unbeaten 84 in the final.

Three years later, Stokes would prove pivotal again, scoring 54 not out to take England to their second T20 World Cup title, beating Pakistan in Melbourne.

In the Ashes, Stokes was part of the successful 2015 England side and his 2019 Headingley innings of 135 not out will go down in history as one of the country’s greatest ever innings.

In 2019, Stokes received an OBE for services to cricket and won the PCA Men’s Player of the Year and BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

The talismanic all-rounder is looking to continue his domestic career with Durham.

PCA Chief Executive, Daryl Mitchell, said: “Ben has been a game-changing captain of the England side and a great player since debuting in 2011. He revitalised the team and has been a fantastic leader since taking the Test captaincy in 2022 and a vital part of a successful England side.

“I would like to thank Ben for his incredible commitment to the England team over the past 15 years and wish him all the best in his next endeavours.

“Ben’s engagement with the PCA and Team England Player Partnership during his time as a player and a captain has been exemplary, his input has helped positively drive standards forwards for his teammates and the collective playing group. The PCA and TEPP will continue to support Ben during this transition.”

PCA Chair and Warwickshire bowler, Olly Hannon-Dalby, said: “Ben, Congratulations on an outstanding international career. You’ve been a remarkable player and superb captain. Constantly striving to get the best out of yourself and your teammates while leading the way for England.

“You’ve not only been an inspiration to young boys and girls across the country but for all current professional cricketers, that’s a legacy you should be incredibly proud of.

“I look forward to seeing you in a Durham shirt soon and hope that you will enjoy your future in the domestic game and help inspire many more players. Soak up all the accolades that come your way, you deserve them.”

PCA President and former England captain, Eoin Morgan, said: “I want to congratulate Ben on an extraordinary international career. Ben’s contribution to English cricket has been immense, not only through his performances on the field, but through the leadership, passion and resilience he has shown throughout his career.

“Ben has inspired teammates, opponents and supporters alike with the way he has represented England, consistently delivering in the biggest moments and helping shape some of English cricket’s most memorable successes.

“He should be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved, and I wish him and his family every success and happiness in this exciting next chapter of his life.”