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Ben Stokes’ last international match for England ended in a disappointing defeat to New Zealand. Jofra Archer has reacted to Ben Stokes’ shocking decision to retire from international cricket after England suffered a 160-run loss in the third and final Test.
Stokes ended one of the greatest international careers in England cricket history on June 29, after serving his country for almost 15 years. Be it with 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 responsibility and came under pressure time and again with his bat, his ball or even his fielding.
Joffra Archer became emotional after Ben Stokes’ retirement
As Ben Stokes’ retirement has left a huge void in England cricket, Jofra Archer admitted that the dressing room will never feel the same without the star all-rounder. Paying an emotional tribute to the former captain, Archer said that Stokes was more than the captain of the team.
Jofra Archer was quoted by Cricbuzz as saying after the match: “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 be, you know, imagining the changing room without him. Do.”
England will never be the same: Jofra Archer
The England fast bowler revealed that Stokes played a huge role in keeping the team together. An emotional Archer insisted that it will be difficult to replace Stokes as a cricketer, but it will be even harder to replace his leadership and personality inside the England dressing room, and he is not prepared for life without him.
Archer signed off by saying, “Like, every game I’ve played, he’s been there; Ruthie has been there too, you know. So, he’s gone, I don’t really 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 remembering his illustrious England career
Meanwhile, looking back at his career, Ben Stokes said he feels very fortunate to have played alongside some of England’s greatest cricketers. After England’s only fourth Test series loss to New Zealand on home soil, the star all-rounder said he will always cherish the special memories he shared with both the senior stars and the young players.
“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 England players ever played. I’ve shared special moments with them and with the young players coming through,” Stokes said in the post-match presentation.
“I’ve been fortunate to see what Joe Root has done as a player and captain, and continues to do. Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Alastair Cook – great players of the game. And also, players I’ve played against who have done amazing things. I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of those moments.”
