Cricket commentator Oliver Holt has expressed that Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket was not a reflection of diminished commitment but a consequence of alleged betrayal by the cricket establishment. Holt, writing for the Daily Mail, posits that Stokes, who embodied qualities such as "indomitability," "boldness," and "courage under fire," was let down by "lesser men" within the sport's hierarchy.
Holt specifically points to the aftermath of a nightclub incident following the first Test against New Zealand as a turning point. Despite Stokes not being directly involved in an altercation between a rugby player and his teammate Gus Atkinson, Holt argues that Stokes was unfairly portrayed as an irresponsible leader. The timing of the incident, after the Test had been won and with no curfew in place, makes the subsequent sanctions seem disproportionate, according to Holt.
"It has come to something when a man who has given as much to English cricket as Stokes should be humiliated by being punished for something he had no involvement in," Holt writes. He questions the standard being applied to cricketers, suggesting it is unreasonable to hold them accountable for trouble that occurs in their vicinity even if they are not involved.
Holt suggests that this treatment, coupled with discussions about his mental well-being that he felt were disingenuous, made it untenable for Stokes to continue. "I don’t see how he could have continued to work with people who treated him like that, people who hung him out to dry and then talked about concern for his mental well-being," he states. Holt believes Stokes deserved better from the institution he served so devotedly.
The commentator draws a parallel between Stokes and his late father, Ged Stokes, a rugby league player known for his resilience and willingness to play through pain, even opting for finger amputation to return to the field. Holt suggests Stokes has honored his father's memory by consistently pushing beyond perceived limits for the sake of cricket.
Despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, Holt asserts that the events will not tarnish Stokes' legacy. He highlights Stokes' pivotal role in England's 2019 World Cup final victory and his instrumental 135 not out innings against Australia at Headingley in the same summer. These performances, along with his contribution to the "Bazball" era, are credited with re-energizing English cricket.
Ben Stokes is given a guard of honour after the news of his retirement broke at Trent Bridge on Sunday.
Stokes's most memorable innings, an unbeaten 135, saw off Australia at Headingley in 2019.