Stuart Broad has led the tributes to Ben Stokes after the England captain announced his shock retirement from international cricket, describing him as “a talisman of English cricket”.
The 35-year-old will bring the curtain down on a rare international profession at the tip of the Test series decider against Recent Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Former team-mate Stuart Broad said on commentary for Sky Sports: “(He’s) a talisman of English cricket.
“He might be remembered wearing that Three Lions with a crown on top very proudly.”
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PICTURE: Martin Rickett/PA
Magical
He added: “A whole match-winner, someone that won’t take a look at the numbers, take a look at the moments of his profession.
“Someone that’s at all times there in the massive moments of games, giving absolutely the whole lot.”
Stokes fittingly went on to take a wicket together with his first ball after the news was made public, catching the sting of Zak Foulkes and Harry Brook gobbling up a low likelihood at second slip.
Broad added: “What a magical moment. Who writes his scripts?”
England’s Ashes 2005-winning captain Michael Vaughan said on the BBC’s Test Match Special: “That was a right away reminder of what England are going to miss.
“That’s exactly why he’s an excellent, and incredible player.
“I’m still completely stunned. I just didn’t see it coming, but I did see the wicket coming because he has done that throughout his entire profession.
“At any time when England need something, he has at all times delivered.”
PICTURE: PA
Defining figure
England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson was also filled with praise for the two-time World Cup winner.
Thompson said: “Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one in all England’s biggest ever cricketers and one in all the defining figures of his generation.
“His performances under pressure, his relentless competitiveness and his ability to provide the extraordinary when it matters most have given me and hundreds of thousands of other fans memories that can endure perpetually.
One among England’s all-time biggest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the tip of this Test match.
Ben, you have got been probably the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for.
We love you a lot and need you… pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026
“Whether inspiring victory in the largest moments – not least driving England to World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022 and his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley – or leading the Test team with courage and conviction, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket.
“Beyond his remarkable achievements on the sphere, his performances have inspired many children to embrace cricket with positivity and belief.
“We’re losing a batsman, a bowler, a captain and a talisman.”
READ MORE: England skipper Ben Stokes proclaims shock retirement from international cricket
