NOTTINGHAM: New Zealand defeated England by 160 runs in the third and final Test at Nottingham to secure the three-match Test series 2-1.
Chasing a challenging target of 373, England were bowled out for 212 in their second innings despite a fighting 60 from Jamie Smith. Ben Duckett and captain Ben Stokes each scored 36, but the hosts were unable to mount a successful chase.
The bowlers for New Zealand managed to play well as Zaib got three wickets while Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner took two wickets each to register a remarkable win.
The game became a farewell to England as Ben Stokes retired from Test cricket after the completion of the series.
Ben Stokes played 122 Test matches for England in his distinguished international career lasting 15 years. Moreover, he appeared in 114 One-Day International matches as well as 43 Twenty20 International matches.
An England all-rounder who is considered one of the best, Ben Stokes made his mark on the international stage during England’s victories in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Ben Stokes Ends 15-Year International Cricket Career
Earlier, Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished 15-year career with England.
According to a statement issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the ongoing Test against New Zealand in Nottingham will be Stokes’ final international appearance. The England captain informed his teammates of his decision before the start of play.
Speaking ahead of the third Test at Trent Bridge, Stokes had not ruled out the possibility that the match could be his last in international cricket.
Stokes’ retirement marks the end of a remarkable career that included four years as England’s Test captain. He made his international debut in a Twenty20 International in 2011 before earning his Test cap during the 2013 Ashes series in Adelaide. He took over as England’s Test captain in April 2022.
During his career, Stokes played 121 Tests, scoring 7,228 runs and claiming 246 wickets. In 114 One-Day Internationals, he amassed 3,463 runs and took 74 wickets, while in 43 T20 Internationals he scored 585 runs and picked up 26 wickets.
His retirement comes weeks after he missed the second Test at The Oval following an investigation into his attendance at a late-night celebration at a Chelsea nightclub after England’s victory at Lord’s. While the ECB and the cricket regulator issued him a written warning, he was cleared of any further misconduct, although the incident attracted widespread criticism.
