Ben Stokes Retires: England Test Captain Claims Zakary Foulkes' Wicket Moments After Announcing International Retirement (Watch Video)
Standing in his final bowling spell, Stokes sent down a delivery that removed the New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes, sparking emotional celebrations in Nottingham.
England captain Ben Stokes produced a dramatic moment on day four of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, claiming the wicket of Zakary Foulkes just moments after his international retirement was made public. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement mid-game confirming that the 35-year-old all-rounder will retire from all forms of international cricket at the conclusion of the ENG vs NZ 3rd Test 2026. Standing in his final bowling spell, Stokes sent down a delivery that removed the New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes, sparking emotional celebrations in Nottingham. Ben Stokes Retires: England Test Captain Announces International Retirement After ENG vs NZ 3rd Test 2026.
Ben Stokes Claims Wicket After Announcing International Retirement
Ian Botham was famously asked "who writes your scripts" ... the same could be said of Ben Stokes ... the ball after news of his retirement was broken to the ground pic.twitter.com/KeAh9S4vtP
— Historic Cricket Pictures (@PictureSporting) June 28, 2026
The announcement of Stokes' impending departure from international duty circulated globally while the captain was actively operating with the ball in hand. As news filtered through the Trent Bridge crowd, the spectators rose to provide the veteran all-rounder with a sustained standing ovation.
Stokes responded almost immediately on the field. On his very next delivery following the broadcast of his retirement, he produced an angled delivery that found the edge of New Zealand's concussion substitute, Zakary Foulkes. Vice-captain Harry Brook secured the catch at second slip, ending Foulkes' gritty resistance and handing Stokes a poignant breakthrough. England vs New Zealand Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast in India, 3rd Test 2026, Day 4.
End of a Transformative Era
The conclusion of the Trent Bridge Test will draw the curtains on a decorated 15-year international career. Having previously retired from One Day Internationals in 2022 before returning briefly for the 2023 World Cup, this decision completely finishes his presence in England’s red and white-ball structures.
Since assuming the Test captaincy from Joe Root in 2022, Stokes collaborated with head coach Brendon McCullum to pioneer the ultra-aggressive "Bazball" tactical philosophy, revitalising English Test cricket. His career highlights include orchestrating England's famous 2019 ICC World Cup victory and striking a legendary unbeaten 135 at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2026 08:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
