{
  "id": 7105158,
  "title": "‘A very unusual summer’: England’s Ben Stokes retirement, McCullum exit, Carse controversy and Root’s return end in 3-0 Pakistan sweep",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/a-very-unusual-summer-englands-ben-stokes-retirement-mccullum-exit",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-13T12:22:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/very-unusual-summer-england-ben-122200881.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "England wrapped up a 3-0 Test series sweep against Pakistan in a \"very unusual summer\", as captain Joe Root explained during a post-match press conference. The series saw significant changes, including the retirement of Ben Stokes from international cricket and the departure of former New Zealand batter Stephen Fleming as head coach, following Brendon McCullum's exit. Fast bowler Brydon Carse was also dropped from the squad after an incident outside a nightclub in Derby. Despite these off-field distractions, England secured an eight-wicket victory in the third Test at Edgbaston to clinch the series. Root, who is the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, acknowledged the challenging summer, saying, \"It’s been a very unusual summer, hasn’t it? That’s probably a better way of putting it. There's been a lot of different things happen.\" Root also praised the work of Stokes and McCullum in transforming the team, and credited recent debutant Razaullah for his standout performance, hitting 81 off 63 balls.",
  "summary": "England triumphed with a commanding 3-0 Test series win against Pakistan, with returning captain Joe Root commending the team's ability to adapt amidst significant turmoil. The players showcased impressive resilience and execution, building on the foundation set by earlier coaches and leaders. This victory highlights their capacity to overcome challenges both on and off the field.",
  "key_points": [
    "England sweeps 3-0 series against Pakistan",
    "Ben Stokes retires from international cricket",
    "Brendon McCullum departs as head coach"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "World Test Championship points table: Where does India stand after England's 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/world-test-championship-points-table-where-does-india-stand-after",
        "published": "2026-09-13T09:12:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}