'Dumbfounded' Andrew Strauss Questions Ben Stokes' Retirement Announcement Timing

Ex-England captain Andrew Strauss has lauded Ben Stokes' illustrious cricket journey for England, though he was taken aback by the England skipper's decision to call time on his international career amidst the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Stokes revealed he would be retiring from international cricket at the end of the third test. The announcement was made during the fourth day of the decisive series, with the three-match series tied at 1-1.

Bowling, Stokes soon produced another ball that hit the middle stump. Stokes was also struggling a little; he came out to open England's batting, even though he usually bats down the order. He made 30 off 20 balls before being caught when England were still facing a statement chase of 373. At the end of Day 4, England reached a total of 103/4 in their pursuit, and could lose their first home series in a three-match or more series since 2012.

Strauss Praises Stokes But Questions Timing

Strauss, who captained England through their previous last such home series loss before he retired in 2005, called Stokes one of the greatest players in England.

Writing on LinkedIn, Strauss said:

Like most, I was stunned yesterday (Sunday) when the rumours began to circulate that Ben Stokes was due to retire.

He added :

" It was shocking, and perhaps expected, at the same time."

Strauss said he's grateful for everything Stokes has done for English cricket.

This is a guy who has poured everything he has into the England shirt but also wore his heart firmly on his sleeve along the way. The fact is that the job is a drain - the kind of drain that happens all the more if you shoulder as much responsibility as Ben.

He will rightfully be remembered as one of England's true legends. This is a player who loved the big occasion. A true superstar.

Announcement Became A Distraction Says Strauss

While acknowledging the significance of the Stokes send-off, Strauss believed it would have been more appropriate before the game or after it, rather than during such an important Test match.

He said:

"I don't want to say this, but I am not entirely sure the entire thing was timed correctly in the first place. It was an unnecessary distraction for a team that had been fighting to avoid a series defeat, and the cricket in the final session lacked a bit of an 'end of term' preparation look to it."

He continued :

Everyone should be able to walk away on their own terms, and no one has more of that than Ben, but it does seem a better idea to have announced prior to or after the match. We want you in the middle of a match. No matter how the team's going.

Finally, Strauss finished by saying it was "just a line out of an otherwise consistent record."

It is a very minor gripe compared with the big picture. Without Ben involved, English cricket will be a lot worse and a lot less interesting! The opposition teams will be breathing a huge sigh of relief in the wake of his absence, and there shall be a major hole in the England team that simply cannot be filled.