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More change needed after Stokes retires - Vaughan

More change needed after Stokes retires - Vaughan

Former captain Michael Vaughan said he will be "absolutely staggered" if there is not more leadership change in English cricket after Ben Stokes' retirement.

Stokes, 35, will play his final day of international cricket on day five of the third Test against New Zealand on Monday, having announced his shock decision on Sunday.

Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and director of men's cricket Rob Key had all been retained in their roles by England and Wales chief executive Richard Gould after last winter's Ashes defeat.

Vaughan suggested Stokes could return to the fold if there is change at the top.

"There will be change," Vaughan told the BBC.

"There must be change after what we've seen here in terms of a cricketing sense now over a period of time."

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Stokes, one of the most iconic figures of his generation, told his team-mates of his decision before day four and his retirement was announced at 15:25 BST. It was immediately followed by him taking the wicket of Zak Foulkes with his next delivery.

After play Stokes, who said he will continue to play for Durham, said ending his international career was the "best thing" for him and denied the decision was made as a direct result of events across a tumultuous recent period.

Stokes missed the second Test after an incident in a London nightclub before being cleared to return as captain for the third Test at Trent Bridge.

The extraordinary proceedings of Sunday continued late in the day when Stokes made 30 after being promoted to open the batting and England reached 103-4 in chaotic fashion, leaving them still 269 short of the runs needed to avoid a series defeat.

This series was supposed to mark a reset following the 4-1 Ashes defeat, which was dogged by off-field issues and accusations of too loose an environment.

"I'll be absolutely staggered if this leadership group is still together," Vaughan said.

And looking forward to the next home Ashes series against Australia in 2027, he added: "That new leadership group might just get in their nice cars, drive up to Durham and say to Ben, 'Ben, you're playing great. Any chance of one last hurrah against Australia this summer?'

"I would not rule that out."

Though England are in white-ball action in the first T20 against India on Wednesday, their next Test is not until the first against Pakistan on 19 August, leaving time for further developments.

Vaughan said there is a "lack of trust" on both sides between Stokes and the ECB following the nightclub incident earlier this month.

"That was probably the final nail," Vaughan said.

"You have to say that the way the ECB treated Ben Stokes, there was a bit of fault on both sides, but there clearly has been a lack of trust on both sides.

"I don't think we've heard the last of this announcement. I think there'll be more to come from it."

"I just hope over time everyone can get together and get this team playing better cricket."

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