Ben Stokes' retirement, McCullum exit and Carse controversy made it 'a very unusual summer' — England still swept Pakistan 3-0

A summer like no other

England ended their Test summer with a 3-0 sweep of Pakistan, but TOI's reflection on the campaign described it as “a very unusual summer” — one that featured Ben Stokes' retirement, Brendon McCullum's exit, the Brydon Carse controversy and Joe Root's return.

Stokes' cheeky celebration

With the summer done, Stokes turned to social media. As his team secured promotion in the County Championship, the England all-rounder posted a cheeky Instagram story reading “Probs will go to a pub.”

Trescothick coy on his future

Batting coach Marcus Trescothick, meanwhile, was non-committal when asked about his future with the England Test side, replying simply: “No, not really.”

Warner stirs the pot

Even from afar, David Warner could not resist a poke at England's supporters, asking the Barmy Army “Still have a curfew?” — a dig that drew a swift response, with English fans hitting back using a 'Stuart Broad' meme.