England’s Test captain Ben Stokes confirmed he will retire from international cricket after the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The announcement came during the fourth‑day afternoon session while he was bowling, marking the end of a career that began with a white‑ball debut in 2011 and a Test debut in the 2013/14 Ashes. His captaincy started in April 2022.

Stokes’ final weeks were clouded by a nightclub incident that saw him omitted from the second Test, prompting speculation about his future. Yet he returned for the series decider, delivering an unbeaten 84 in the 2019 World Cup final and a career‑best 258 against South Africa in 2016. His 135* at Headingley in 2019 remains one of England’s most dramatic Ashes innings.

ECB chair Richard Thompson called Stokes “one of England’s greatest ever cricketers”, praising his pressure‑play, competitiveness and ability to produce extraordinary moments. The talismanic all‑rounder leaves a void as both a batsman, bowler and leader, and his departure will force England to reshuffle the Test hierarchy immediately. The sport now officially faces a new era without his influence.