Ben Stokes has retired from international cricket, prompting a tribute from Australia legend Justin Langer. Langer recalled the 2019 Headingley defeat as the lowest moment of his coaching life.

What happened?

Langer said he would have Ben Stokes in his team any day, despite the pain Stokes caused him during their on-field battles.

Ben Stokes' unbeaten 135 at Headingley sealed a miraculous one-wicket win for England, a memory that still haunts Langer.

Why it matters for Ben Stokes

Langer's reflection on Stokes' retirement showed a change in perspective, from disappointment to gratitude for the opportunity to have coached against such a talented player.

Stokes' retirement was announced recently, with the England all-rounder citing burnout as the reason for his decision.

What comes next?

Langer's tribute to Ben Stokes is a testament to the respect between the two cricket greats, despite being on opposite sides of the Ashes rivalry.

On the final day of England's Test against New Zealand, Langer was reminded of the 2019 innings that still hurts him, but he chose to focus on the positive aspects of Stokes' career.

Ben Stokes' international retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire cricket fans around the world.

Langer began by revealing how deeply the memory of the 2019 Headingley defeat was seared into him, counting the days since the loss.

The pain was reignited when Langer watched a replay of the 2019 innings, bringing back memories of the run-out Nathan Lyon couldn't quite gather and the panicked review that still turns his stomach.

Stokes, plumb lbw, two runs required, no reviews left, and the umpire got it wrong, scoring 135 not out and securing a one-wicket win for England.

Langer's response that evening summed up the despair, saying he sat alone with a Scotch, a drink he rarely has, and admitted it was the lowest moment of his coaching life.

And now, with Stokes' retirement, Langer feels something closer to gratitude than disappointment, reflecting on the week he processed the news.

Langer said he would have Ben Stokes in his team any day, a sentiment that shows the respect he has for the England all-rounder, despite their on-field rivalry.

Ben Stokes' retirement has drawn reactions from across the cricketing world, but few have been as raw or as poignant as Langer's tribute.

The former Australia coach has seen his fair share of Ashes wins, having won it five times as a player between 1993 and 2007, and coached Australia during the 2019 Ashes.

Langer's tribute to Ben Stokes is a reminder of the respect and admiration that exists between cricket greats, even in the midst of intense rivalry.

Ben Stokes' international career may be over, but his impact on the sport will continue to be felt for years to come.

Langer's change in perspective, from disappointment to gratitude, is a reflection of the complexity of human emotions and the respect that exists between athletes, even in the heat of competition.

The cricket world will miss Ben Stokes, but his legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.

Langer's tribute is a fitting farewell to Ben Stokes' international career, a career that was marked by incredible highs and lows, but ultimately defined by his passion, dedication, and love for the sport.

Ben Stokes may be retired, but his impact on cricket will never be forgotten, and Langer's tribute is a testament to the enduring power of sports to inspire and unite us.