table of contents
Ben Stokes’ decision to retire from international cricket at the age of just 35 has surprised the entire cricket world. The England Test captain and all-rounder had announced the end of his 15-year career midway through the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
During his illustrious career, Ben Stokes won the 2019 ICC World Cup and the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup. However, the star all-rounder has confirmed that he will continue playing domestic cricket.
Many former and current cricketers have reacted to the shocking announcement made by one of England’s greatest all-rounders. These include former Australian captain Steve Waugh.
He will be missed in Test cricket: Steve Waugh salutes Ben Stokes after his retirement
Steve Waugh praised Ben Stokes for everything he has done for England and Test cricket over the years. The legendary Australian batsman also talked about India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is currently in England for India’s ongoing five-match T20I series.
Waugh said Stokes has been one of England’s greatest match-winners, adding that the all-rounder has provided many memorable moments during his career. The Australian legend feels that Test cricket will miss a player like Stokes because of the fearless way he played.
Steve Waugh said on SNTV, “He’s shown a lot. Ben Stokes has been a hero for England. He’s done some incredible things that no one else has done in the history of the game. So, I’m personally sad to see him retire because I think he’s great for Test cricket. He made me want to watch Test cricket regularly, the way he played and the way England played.”
Steve Waugh predicts surprise return of Ben Stokes for Ashes 2027
Despite Stokes making it clear he will not make a U-turn, Waugh believes there is still a slim chance the England star could return for next year’s Ashes series against Australia. He believes that it would be great for the game if Stokes decides to return to the international arena.
The Australian legend added, “So, he’s done an amazing job for Test cricket, and it’s a shame. I would love to see him play against the Australians in the Ashes next year. I’m scared that maybe he might come back for the Ashes. I mean, that would be great to see.”
Steve Waugh lauds Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fearless rise
During this conversation, Steve Waugh also talked about Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The former Australian captain said it was very rare to see a teenager have such a big impact on the game.
He believes that Suryavanshi is already changing T20 cricket with his fearless batting and positive attitude. Meanwhile, S Badrinath questioned Sanju Samson’s place and demanded Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s India debut.
Waugh said, “I think the one who is capturing everyone’s imagination is Suryavanshi, a 15-year-old kid from India. I mean, what he is doing is something that has never been done before. Very, very rarely do you see someone change their game, and he has changed the T20 game at the age of 15.”
Steve Waugh says Vaibhav Suryavanshi is inspiring the new generation of cricketers
The former Australian icon was really impressed with the young player’s confidence. He believes that Vaibhav plays without any fear and his success at such a young age shows that confidence and fearlessness can help cricket players achieve special things.
He signed off by saying, “So that’s really an incredible accomplishment. So, he’s somebody that you look at and say, “I can’t believe you’re doing that,” but he has no fear and he just keeps doing it. And it obviously sets the stage for current players to do things a little bit differently, rather than being afraid to go out there and try a change.
Steve Waugh on Ben Stokes’ retirement and how Vaibhav Suryavanshi is changing T20 cricket… talking to SNTV pic.twitter.com/4DCnHR7gQ5
– Raj Mohan (@Non_rights) July 3, 2026