Stokes retires and leaves England in a mess

Stokes retires and leaves England in a mess

Author: The Telegraph June 30, 2026 Duration: 55:16

England have lost their first series of the summer to New Zealand but there is only one story in town after Ben Stokes’ shock retirement.


Jake, Nick and Will unpack the series of events which led to Stokes mid-game retirement at Trent Bridge and ask if the former England skipper could have handled the situation better.


We ask how big of a miss Stokes will be as both a player and a captain moving forward, with Nick holding out hope that we have not seen the last of him in the Test arena just yet.


All roads point to Harry Brook as next England captain. We take a look at what England would look like under his leadership and why a potential combination of Brook and Brendon McCullum could be disastrous.



The team also discuss what the future holds for English cricket, Brendon McCullum and Rob Key.


And away from the Stokes circus, we check in with Sonia Twigg for all the latest from the Women’s T20 World Cup as England gear up for a semi-final against South Africa!


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For fans who live and breathe the game, The Telegraph Cricket Podcast offers a front-row seat to the conversations shaping English cricket. Guided by chief cricket correspondent Nick Hoult, cricket news correspondent Will Macpherson, and Sport features editor Jake Goodwill, this podcast digs deeper than the scorecard. Each episode unpacks the biggest talking points, from the drama of a summer Test match to the strategic shifts defining the 'Bazball era'. The discussion goes beyond mere analysis, providing genuine insight into the personalities, decisions, and behind-the-scenes dynamics that influence the sport. It’s the kind of informed, nuanced conversation you’d expect from seasoned journalists with unparalleled access. Whether dissecting a thrilling final day or previewing a crucial series, the trio ensures listeners are not just informed but fully immersed in the narrative of the season. Tune in for a thoughtful, authoritative, and engaging take on the cricket stories that matter.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Telegraph Cricket Podcast
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