Ben Stokes hailed as 'gladiator' with fans in shock over retirement: 'Hate the way this has played out'

Ben Stokes' retirement has not gone down well with his fans who hailed the England all-rounder as one of the greatest players of modern era but questioned the timing of the move.

Stokes' retirement was announced during the fourth day of the ongoing Test match between England and New Zealand. In a video uploaded by England Cricket on social media.

Stokes and his teammate Gus Atkinson had reportedly engaged in a brawl at a nighclub in Chelsea after flaunting the team's unofficial curfew. The incident had created much furore and led to the England Test captain missing the second Test against New Zealand.

Speculations over a breakdown in his relationship with the England and Wales Cricket Board were also rife. His return for the third Test as captain seemed to have put the speculations to rest. However, the timing of the announcement of retirement has put question marks over his relationship with the board.

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Fans hail Ben Stokes

Fans and experts praised Stokes for a wonderful career with some also raising questions over the timing of his call.

Veteran broadcaster Harsha Bhogle took to X and said that the outgoing England Test captain will be regarded as one of the best modern-day players.

"Irrespective of the timing, Ben Stokes will go down as one of the finest players in the modern game. Inspirational. Loved the big stage. Headstrong. Decisive. Game changer. Made the game richer," Bhogle wrote on X.

Stokes becomes the second high-profile name to retire midway through this four-Test match series. Earlier, New Zealand legend Kane Williamson had also announced his retirement after second Test.