England will need to replace Ben Stokes’ persona as well as one of their “greatest” players as they move forward, says former captain Michael Vaughan.
The announcement of Stokes’ surprise retirement came during the fourth day of the third and deciding Test against New Zealand, which will be his last.
Stokes, 35, missed the second Test after an incident in a London nightclub, with England suffering a heavy defeat at The Oval, which Vaughan says gave a glimpse into the “hole” the all-rounder will be leaving in the side.
“England have got to move forward now – it’s hard to say that when it’s only just happened,” Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special.
“But they have got to look at how they build a team without Ben Stokes, and it’s not just the player – it’s the persona.
“He’s got the winning mentality, and I have him as one of England’s greatest when the pressure’s on.”
Stokes was cleared to return as captain for the third Test at Trent Bridge, where he told his team-mates of his decision to retire before the start of play on day four.
After the news was made public at 15:25 BST, Stokes took a wicket with the next ball he bowled – Zak Foulkes caught at second slip as England attempted to fight back with New Zealand moving into an even more dominant position after lunch.
Vaughan said that moment showed the challenge the England face in replacing the talismanic all-rounder and leader.
“That was an immediate reminder of what England are going to miss,” added Vaughan.
“That’s exactly why he is an England great. I didn’t see it coming [his retirement], but I did see the wicket coming because he has done that throughout his entire career.
“Whenever England need something, he has always delivered.”
