Ben Stokes: England captain reveals 'tough' decisions behind international retirement and why it is 'best thing' for him

Ben Stokes insists retiring from international cricket is the “best thing” for him after sensationally confirming mid-match that England’s series decider with New Zealand would be his last.

Stokes stunned the cricketing world on Sunday by confirming he would end his 15-year England career, with a statement released during the afternoon session on day four and while the 35-year-old was bowling at Trent Bridge.

The decision follows a turbulent start to the year for Stokes, who stayed on as captain despite a 4-1 Ashes thrashing in Australia but was dropped for his involvement in a nightclub incident after their first Test win over New Zealand.

Stokes played for Durham during the second Test but was recalled for this week’s series decider, which will be his last international appearance after 122 Tests, 114 one-day internationals and 43 T20s.

“I’ve been through some rocky times, personally, having to feel like I’m pushing myself through and feel like I’m having to do something because it’s the right thing to do,” Stokes explained on Sky Sports.

To be honest, it might sound quite selfish, but this decision is generally the best thing for me right now. Whether that means it’s the best thing for the team going forward, I hope so.

“It comes down to what I think is going to allow me to still love this game that I’ve played since I was a kid and has given me a career. I’m very excited about the next part of what I get to do – going back and playing for my boyhood club Durham.

“There’s been moments this week where it’s been really tough and again that just adds to everything. It really makes it very clear in your mind that you’re probably making the right decision.”

‘I gave myself time’ – Stokes explains retirement timeline

Stokes denied that the decision to retire was because of the nightclub incident, with the all-rounder having thoughts about his future after both the Ashes and ahead of the New Zealand’s series opener at Lord’s.

“The whole Lord’s Test to me was something that I guess brought back some negative feelings about where I was in my career,” Stokes explained.

“I’d worked so hard from getting back home [from the Ashes] to try and make things right – that’s what I thought I was doing. I’d put so much time and effort into it, I maybe potentially had burnt myself out.

“When I got to that week at Lord’s, it was a very interesting and strange feeling to go into that game. I gave myself as much time [on retirement], I spoke to as many people as I possibly could through the process of this.

“As I was putting me pads on yesterday [Saturday], getting ready to go out there, that was that sort of last nail in the coffin.”

Stokes was described as “one of England’s greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation” following his retirement, while former England captain Michael Atherton had already expected him to be the end of his captaincy tenure.

“He’s been an outstanding England captain throughout that journey,” Atherton told Sky Sports Cricket. “The first couple of years, it was a transformation the likes of which few of us have seen of a sporting a team.

“It hasn’t gone to plan in the last year. And I have to say, we were there at Lord’s, and those of us who’ve been in that job recognised that he’d come to the end of the road.

“He looked like a man who’d been captain of England for four years. A lot of us did it for about that time. It is a wearing job, one that gets on top of you and that you can’t let go.”

No fairy-tale farewell for Stokes

Stokes took a wicket with the first ball after the retirement announcement was made public, getting an edge off Zak Foulkes to Harry Brook at slip, then elected to open the batting after England were set 373 to win the series decider.

He received a guard of honour as he entered the field for the final time and a standing ovation as he was dismissed after a 20-ball 30, with England closing on 103-4 and still requiring 270 runs to avoid New Zealand claiming victory.

“We would have loved to have maybe only come in tonight one, two down,” Stokes admitted. “The tactical reasons were just to go out there, cause a little bit of chaos, and then turn back up tomorrow and see where we are.

“We’ve knocked a good chunk off this total. It’s pretty obvious that this wicket’s just getting harder and harder to score on.”

It remains unclear on who will succeed Stokes as England captain, with white-ball captain Harry Brook and former captain Joe Root among the potential options.

“Stokesy has provided some of the greatest moments of cricket that England has ever seen,” England head coach Brendan McCullum said. “For young players, he’s been a legend that inspires them to pick up a bat, to play with heart and bravery, and to give absolutely everything for his team.

“For me, the last four years have been an incredible journey. While his time as our skipper has come to an end, he will always be a great friend. May the next chapter for Ben Stokes, be as great as the last.”

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