Durham coach flattered by Ben Stokes’ comments as Test career concludes

By Daniel Fairbrother · Senior Football Correspondent · 30.06.2026

By Daniel Fairbrother — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Stokes’ Test Career Concludes

Ben Stokes has concluded his Test cricket career, with his final appearance coming during England’s defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The all-rounder, who recently turned 35, had previously hinted at his retirement, noting that younger players like Jamie Smith would have longer careers.

His final Test innings saw him open the batting, a change from his more familiar number seven position, which he adopted at the start of the New Zealand series. This move was partly explained as a way to benefit England’s keeper-batter, Jamie Smith.

Reflecting on his career, Stokes has been described as a player who could make batting appear challenging before delivering a crucial shot. Notable moments include his century at Headingley in 2019, where he scored two runs off his first 66 balls before accelerating to an unbeaten 135. He also contributed a half-century in the World Cup final that same summer, with 34 runs coming off his last 17 balls at Lord’s.

His bowling performances remained strong towards the end of his Test career. In his final year, he achieved five-wicket hauls against India and Australia, taking 34 Test wickets at an average of 25. Even in his final match, he delivered an eight-over spell in challenging conditions, taking three wickets to bring England back into the game.

Durham’s Appreciation and Future Plans

Durham head coach Ryan Campbell expressed that the club was appreciative of Ben Stokes’ positive remarks about his time with the county. Stokes had mentioned enjoying his time playing for Durham in a County Championship match against Northamptonshire, stating it had reignited his passion for the sport.

Campbell and the Durham players learned of Stokes’ decision during their T20 victory over Middlesex. The coach has since communicated with Stokes regarding his availability for Durham in the One-Day Cup, as he does not have a team in The Hundred competition.

With six rounds remaining in the County Championship, which is set to resume in August, Durham currently holds a 32-point lead at the top of Division Two. Campbell indicated that Stokes was scheduled to participate in the One-Day Cup and potentially some Championship matches, suggesting he will be seen playing for Durham.

Despite some speculation about a potential return to England duty for next summer’s Ashes, Campbell believes this marks the definitive end of Stokes’ international career. Stokes leaves the game with over 7,000 Test runs and 258 wickets.

His prime period is often identified as 2019-20, during which he was named player of the series against Australia at home and South Africa away. Over this two-year span, he averaged more than 50 with the bat and less than 30 with the ball in Tests.

During his captaincy, there was an increased focus on his leadership role, and despite concerns about his bowling due to wear and tear, he finishes with more Test wickets as England captain than Bob Willis, following a late burst after hamstring surgery. Stokes has not played white-ball cricket for the past two years, dedicating himself to the longer format of the game.

He plans to continue playing for Durham, indicating a new phase in his career within county cricket.

Source: theguardian.com

Daniel Fairbrother

Senior Football Correspondent

Daniel Fairbrother is the Senior Football Correspondent at Latest News UK, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent eight years on the football desk of a Yorkshire daily before moving into national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Leeds, he watches non-league football and runs a five-a-side league. “The best football stories are won in the week, not on the whistle.”