Ben Stokes confirmed his retirement from Test cricket during the fourth day of the deciding Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, turning the match into an emotional farewell. The England captain revealed the decision to teammates Sunday morning before taking the field, then dismissed Zak Foulkes with his first ball after the announcement as Trent Bridge erupted.

Stokes opened the batting in England's chase of 373, smashing 30 from 20 balls with aggressive strokes including a six over long-off. His final innings ended when he holed out attempting a heave, departing to handshakes and a standing ovation. England closed at 103-4, requiring 269 more runs on the final day with Ben Stokes watching from the pavilion for the last time.

New Zealand declared their second innings on 288-9 after Daryl Mitchell completed an unbeaten century, weathering a hostile bowling spell from Stokes and Jofra Archer. Mitchell's 100* came from 241 balls despite being struck 13 times on the helmet, body and hands. Rachin Ravindra contributed 94 before falling lbw to Shoaib Bashir.

Stokes leaves Test cricket with 7,273 runs and 252 wickets, joining Jacques Kallis as the only players to achieve the double of 7,000 runs and 250 wickets. England face almost certain defeat in Stokes' final match, marking their first home series loss during his four-year captaincy tenure.