Ben Stokes’ shock retirement from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand continues to dominate headlines, with former England captain Michael Vaughan suggesting that a breakdown in trust between Stokes and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may have played a significant role in the all-rounder’s decision.Stokes has not spoken publicly since announcing his decision midway through the fourth day of England’s series decider at Trent Bridge, but told his shocked team-mates before play that “reasons why can wait” in an emotional dressing-room speech.Speaking on the BBC’s Test Match Special, Vaughan said he felt Stokes had lost confidence in the people around him, including the ECB.“I just think about the last two weeks,” Vaughan said. “When you’re England captain, you’ve got to trust those that you’re working with. You have to trust everyone around you, the management, the ECB.”The former England skipper stressed that he was not claiming the reported fallout was the sole reason behind Stokes’ retirement, but believed it was one of several contributing factors.“I honestly think there’s been a lack of trust, and that triggers you. I’m not saying it’s going to be the only reason why Ben Stokes has stepped down, but all these things, the winter was a tough winter, there were incidents on and off the field.”Vaughan also pointed to Stokes’ demeanour before the opening Test at Lord’s, suggesting the all-rounder did not appear to be his usual self. “Even in the build-up to that first Test at Lord’s, he didn’t look quite right. He wasn’t quite the Ben Stokes from a few years ago. Then the incident happened, and he’s clearly had a fallout with the ECB over the last week or so. That’s a little bit of the trust that he’s probably lost in them,” Vaughan added.
Ben Stokes’ international career glimpse
Ben Stokes brought the curtain down on a remarkable 15-year international career as one of England’s greatest all-rounders. Across 122 Tests, he scored 7,243 runs at an average of 34.49, including 14 centuries and a career-best 258, while also claiming 252 wickets. In 114 One-Day Internationals, Stokes amassed 3,463 runs at an average of 41.23, with five centuries, and picked up 74 wickets, playing a pivotal role in England’s 2019 Cricket World Cup triumph. He also represented England in 43 T20 Internationals, scoring 585 runs and taking 26 wickets, including an unbeaten 52 in the 2022 T20 World Cup final that sealed another ICC title.
