England captain Ben Stokes has announced his intention to retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand.
The all-rounder, widely regarded as one of England's finest cricketers, revealed his decision in a statement released during a bowling spell at Trent Bridge. In an notable coincidence, Stokes took a wicket with his first delivery after the news became public, with Zak Foulkes caught at second slip.
Stokes, 35, had previously missed England's second Test due to an incident in a London nightclub. Prior to his return to lead the team in Nottingham, he had only referred to leading the team "this week."
He informed his England teammates of his decision before the fourth day of the deciding Test against the Black Caps. In an emotional address in the dressing room, Stokes stated, "The reasons can wait, why, but I've had many trips to the well before for this team, for you blokes, for people beforehand and I've got one more trip to do." He urged his teammates to also give their all in the final two days of the match, regardless of the result. "I've got the emotional side out of it, now it's time to go to work. Please, everyone else come with me," he added.