The truth is that the English dressing room will never be the same now that the great Ben Stokes has called time on his career, even though it comes much too sudden and in the midst of a Test match that only recently got concluded against the visiting New Zealand side. For his charisma, flair, high standards of excellence and competitive streak, Ben Stokes shall be missed and the cricketing world stands poorer in the absence of his talent. He’s still perhaps got a few more years of service to offer his side where it comes to international duties but alas, the call has been taken.
Now even as England went down to New Zealand most recently, their dressing room in the game’s aftermath was an emotional space as the great batter and former captain Joe Root offered some brilliant insights on the departing Ben Stokes. He would say-
“Ben I’ve known you since you were 12-years-old. After that, we became good friends when we started playing for the same side. Ever since then, we’ve been through a huge amount as two players but one thing I’ve always admired about you is that whatever happens with you, you own your own s*it! But also that old saying of you can only make diamonds in pressure."
"There are only so many players that can create moments like you have. And to say that you can count on two hands, more that your career will be remembered for that. There are so many different moments that you have done for this team across all formats, but especially in Test cricket!"
"And there’ll be generations of people out there that have been inspired by what you’ve achieved throughout and we are all very lucky to have been a part of that journey and to have spent time in the same dressing room as you and everything that you’ve done, whether be it winning World Cups, Ashes series… individual Innings like that ridiculous knock in Headingley in 2019…you’ve inspired most of the lads in this room.”
And that’s not all; the hugely talented and exceptional Joe Root further added laurels and dollops of praise on the retiring Ben Stokes by further saying, “because you’re so old now and they were teenagers growing up! It’s been a hell of a ride mate and I’ve loved every bit of playing alongside you. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to spend the journey with you. And I really look forward to just, at some point, when we are dusty, and veterans like the coaching staff and having a beer!”
With these sentimental notes and emotion filled comments, Joe Root ended his speech on the man of the moment, which is Ben Stokes. The two would embrace, exchange a warm smile much to the delight of an already applauding green room with everyone’s hands joined in admiration.
