Ben Stokes retires: From Headingley to Lord’s, most memorable international knocks

England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket following the conclusion of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge

Stokes, one of the greatest all-rounders of the modern era, will be best remembered for single-handedly leading his country to many famous victories, and also helping England win two ICC trophies with multiple knocks throughout his 15-year-long career.

Ben Stokes’ all-time best knocks

135* against Australia, Headingley 2019 (Test)

Arguably the greatest innings in Test cricket history, Ben Stokes played a blinder in the fourth innings to help England stay alive in the 2019 Ashes.

Needing 362 to win in the fourth innings, with the Australian bowlers firing on all cylinders and picking regular wickets at the other end, Stokes stitched together a remarkable 76-run final wicket partnership to help England level the series 1-1.

258* against South Africa, Cape Town 2016 (Test)

One of the finest double centuries in Test cricket, Stokes scored a memorable 258* in Cape Town in difficult conditions against a prime South African bowling attack Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada.

The all-rounder reached his double century off just 163 balls, breaking the record for the fastest 200 in Test cricket. Stokes smashed 30 fours and 11 sixes in his record-breaking innings.

84* against New Zealand, Lords 2019 (ODIs)

Perhaps the most important knock of Stokes’ career, the all-rounder played a match winning knock of 84* to help England tie the game against New Zealand in a dramatic final at the 2019 ODI World Cup.

England eventually won the Super Over through boundary count and won its first ODI World Cup trophy. Stokes was adjudged the player of the match for his performance.

182 against New Zealand, Oval 2023 (ODIs)

Stokes, after seemingly walking away from ODIs in 2022, reversed his decision to play as a specialist batter for England in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

The 35-year-old, on his comeback match, scored a stunning 182 against New Zealand in a three-match series at home, breaking the record for the highest individual score by an English batter in ODIs.

52* against Pakistan, MCG 2022 (T20Is)

Stokes, after his exploits in the 2019 final, followed it up with another match-winning innings in The 2022 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan.

Chasing a modest 138 for victory, Stokes played a responsible innings, scoring an unbeaten 49-ball 52 to guide England to its second T20 World Cup triumph.

Published on Jun 28, 2026