Ben Stokes
A well-chosen exit has a value all its own
England’s departing captain said, “I absolutely love cricket, I love the sport.”
Good reason to invest most of the last 20 years in such a beautiful, frustrating game.
And then, “Over the last 12 months there’s been certain moments where I felt like I haven’t loved it. Last week back with Durham, there wasn’t a moment when I didn’t. Being able to compare being back with my county and here, to not feel that sense of love and complete and utter enjoyment as I have done before, you just know.”
The difference between being under the lights and in the shadows.
In a move that surprised most but himself, Ben Stokes announced his retirement as captain of England’s Test team and from international cricket, effective at the end of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. His 122nd Test.
It’s true, if you choose to stand out the front, you better expect a few arrows in the back. He’s had his share; often it was teammates firing, not in distrust or anger, more in their abject incompetence.
Knowing when to stop is as important as when to start. Beginnings are universally celebrated, endings, rarely so. But, for me, a well-chosen exit has a value all its own.
Nick
A well chosen exit could be debated in this case. A last innings 70 no to carry his side to victory from his customary number six position and then an announcement at the post match press conference could well be a better choice. His departure I believe was sad and unworthy of his excellence as a player. The series was a shambolic conclusion to an otherwise brilliant career and leaves many questions around the short term future of English cricket. As an Aussie I should be gloating. I feel sad