Ben Stokes retires: England captain rejects suggestion he could reverse retirement

Head coach Brendon McCullum tried to convince Stokes to stay when he announced his plans on Sunday, but one of England’s greatest cricketers will see his international career end after 15 years, 122 Tests, 114 one-day internationals and 43 T20s.

After Stoke’s 160-run defeat in England, which saw them lose 2-1, he hugged his opponent and waved briefly in post-match interviews.

The all-rounder said on Sunday that retirement was the “best thing” for him.

On Monday he went further, believing the events of recent weeks – he was pulled out of the second Test against the Black Caps after breaching the team’s midnight curfew – had led to his decision.

“Again, a series of unfortunate events happened,” Stokes said.

“I’m sure in the next couple of weeks we’ll be able to narrow it down to ‘Did he contribute?'” Maybe.

But the bigger reality is that everything I’ve done for a long time in the last six to 12 months has taken its toll.

“Being in this role, although it’s good, it’s fun and it’s a great honor, there are some negative aspects.”