England captain Ben Stokes has made a stunning announcement to end his international career at the conclusion of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand.
All-rounder Stokes, one of the finest cricketers to ever play for England, was in the middle of a bowling spell at Trent Bridge when a statement was released confirming his intention to end a 15-year international career.
Incredibly, with the first delivery after news of his retirement was made public, Stokes took a wicket, having Zak Foulkes caught at second slip.
The 35-year-old missed England's second Test after being involved in an incident in a London nightclub.
Before his return to the leading the team in Nottingham, he referred only to leading the team "this week".
And Stokes told his England team-mates of his decision before the fourth day of the deciding Test against the Black Caps.
Clearly emotional as he spoke in the England dressing room, Stokes said: "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.
"The only that I ask, please, is can everyone do the same.
"We've got a lot of hard work to do and the only thing I want is to be able to walk off that field, regardless of the result, knowing that I've had this group give everything for the last two days.
"That's the only thing I want, for everyone to give it not only for me, selfishly, but also for this team.
"I've got the emotional side out of it. Now it's time to go to work. Please, everyone else come with me."
Stokes announces shock retirement as New Zealand extend lead over 300
For Stokes, it is an astonishing conclusion to stellar career that produced some of the most iconic moments in English sporting history.
In the summer of 2019, his incredible 84 helped England win the World Cup for the first time, defeating New Zealand in what many regard to be the greatest game of cricket ever played.
Six weeks later, Stokes was at it again, this time defeating Australia in the third Ashes Test at Headingley almost single-handedly with 135 not out.
His exploits that summer led to Stokes being named as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Overall, the Durham man will have played 122 Tests for England, 44 of which were as captain. He played 114 one-day internationals and 43 T20s, including a starring role in the T20 2022 World Cup final.
More to follow.
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