Ben Stokes

[Durhamfootman]

We had McCullum saying how worried he was about Stokesy's mental health, then Campbell came out shortly after and said Stokes was in fine fettle, like the old Stokes had never left

both can be true of where his head was, of course.

Maybe he's just fed up with all the bollox and fancies a spell enjoying his cricket for a bit before he walks off into the sunset?

Never say never, but it wouldn't surprise me if he didn't wear an England shirt again

[sussexpob]

If I were him I'd do a bit of IPL, bit of Big Bash, bit of Durham....

[Durhamfootman]

so would I.... minus the IPL bit. I suspect that sort of attention may be exactly what he's trying to get away from. It's not like he'll need the money, though it's always nice. BBL would work.... nice little month away in the sunshine during the winter, not particularly onerous hours, what's not to like?

I'm sure alfie or fluffy would put him up for a bit, depending upon who he'd signed for

although they might have strict views on what constitutes a respectable time to come home after a night out

[bigfluffylemon]

He wouldn't want to stay with me. Pubs close early in Canberra...

[alfie]

I do have a spare bedroom since my son moved out. He'd have to put up with a couple of very demanding cats though...especially early in the mornings.

[alfie]

I was immensely saddened by what happened on day four. Hadn't expected it after Stokes came back into the team , and bowled with such vigour that I was more worried he'd do himself an injury than having any idea of what was to come.

Have to say I didn't like it. The theatrical nature of the announcement really wasn't in the best interests of the team , regardless of the fact that the game was all but gone anyway after the previous day. I do not believe the Stokes of a year ago would have chosen to put his own emotions ahead of other considerations ; nor do I think that version would have - as it appears - accepted that all was lost and so set out to turn the remaining play into a sort of crazy death or glory charge. Previous Stokes would have firmly believed that any target was gettable and set out (though probably not by opening) to take the game right up to NZ. However improbable that might have been it would have surely kept the game alive a lot longer.

Though judging by the crowd reactions , even during that madcap batting late on day four , a lot of the punters bought into the whole thing. So maybe didn't detract from the entertainment.

Not going to condemn him , however. Was clear the concerns McCullum had expressed about his mental state were justified. The man was/is burnt out from unrelenting pressure , a lot of not always fair criticism - and the final insult of feeling let down by his overseers after the Lord's Test . He knew it was time for him to go and if he acted a little irrationally at the death - well he is only human. Not the way I would have hoped to see him bow out ; but I think his overall career will outshine any negative thoughts I or most others will carry in our memories.

PS : I honestly admired the lengthy and sincere post Sussex put up above. And I won't argue with any of it.

[sussexpob]

Have to say I didn't like it. The theatrical nature of the announcement really wasn't in the best interests of the team , regardless of the fact that the game was all but gone anyway after the previous day. I do not believe the Stokes of a year ago would have chosen to put his own emotions ahead of other considerations ; nor do I think that version would have - as it appears - accepted that all was lost and so set out to turn the remaining play into a sort of crazy death or glory charge. Previous Stokes would have firmly believed that any target was gettable and set out (though probably not by opening) to take the game right up to NZ. However improbable that might have been it would have surely kept the game alive a lot longer.

Thanks for the kind words.

There have been a lot of rumours about McCullum and Stokes falling out over batting approach. I wonder if Stokes maybe took a final opportunity to have a "are you not entertained" type moment to underline his point about England batting too aggressively, but we will never know.

For all that is said, McCullum had nothing but warm words at the end for Ben.