Ben Stokes’ last international match for England ended with a disappointing loss to New Zealand. After England suffered a 160-run defeat in the third and final Test, Jofra Archer reacted to Ben Stokes’ shocking decision to retire from international cricket.
Stokes has brought an end to one of the greatest international careers in England’s cricket history on June 29 after serving the country for almost 15 years. Whether it was with the bat, ball, or in the field, Stokes always stepped up under pressure and helped England win many memorable games.
His fighting spirit, fearless attitude, and match-winning performances made him one of England’s greatest all-rounders. Whenever England were in serious trouble, Stokes took the responsibility and delivered time and again under pressure with either his bat, his ball, or even his fielding.
Jofra Archer gets emotional after Ben Stokes’ retirement
As Ben Stokes’ retirement left a big void left in England cricket, Jofra Archer admitted that the dressing room will never feel the same without the star all-rounder. Paying emotional tribute to the former captain, Archer said Stokes was much more than just the captain of the team.
Jofra Archer said after the match as quoted by Cricbuzz: “Not just as a captain, but as a friend, you know, someone you can always go to, mid-off, mid-on, you know, wherever he is, you can always come; you bounce ideas off him, you know. It’s going to be a big miss. I think the hardest part is going to, you know, imagine the changing room without him.”
England will never be the same: Jofra Archer
The England pacer revealed that Stokes played a huge role in keeping the team together. Emotional Archer stressed that replacing Stokes as a cricketer will be difficult, but replacing his leadership and personality inside the England dressing room will be even harder, and he is not ready for the life without him.
Archer signed off by saying, “Like, every game I’ve played, he’s been there; Rooty’s been there as well, you know. So, him being gone, I really don’t want to look forward to it, you know; we don’t have a choice now, but it’s going to take some getting used to.”
Ben Stokes gets emotional while looking back at his glorious England career
Meanwhile, looking back at his career, Ben Stokes said that he feels very lucky to have played alongside some of England’s greatest cricketers. After England’s only fourth Test series loss to New Zealand at home, the star all-rounder said that he will always cherish the special memories he shared with both senior stars and young players.
Stokes said at the post-match presentation, “I look back at some of the things I’ve been involved in, and I’d say I’ve played with some of the best players England has ever produced. I’ve shared special moments with them and with younger players coming through.”
“I’ve been lucky to see what Joe Root has done as a player and captain, and he’s still going. Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Alastair Cook—those greats of the game. And also, players I’ve played against who have done amazing things. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of those moments.”