Ben Stokes retires: England need more leadership change after captain’s exit, says Michael Vaughan

It was announced at 15:25 BST that Stokes, one of the most popular figures of his generation, told his teammates of his decision before the fourth day and retired. He promptly took the wicket of Zach Fulks with the next delivery.

The Stokes international, who announced after the game that he would continue to play for Durham, said ending his career was the “best thing” for him and denied the decision was made as a direct result of recent violence.

Stokes missed the second Test after an incident in a London nightclub before deciding to return as captain for the third Test at Trent Bridge.

Sunday’s unusual run continued late in the day as Stokes opened the innings on 30 and England finished 103-4 in chaotic fashion, leaving them 269 runs short of still needing to avoid a series defeat.

This series was supposed to mark a reset following the 4-1 Ashes defeat, which was beset by off-field issues and allegations of a very loose environment.

“I would be absolutely shocked if this leadership team was still together,” Vaughan said.

And looking ahead to the next home Ashes series against Australia in 2027, “that new management team got into their nice cars and drove to Durham and said, ‘Ben, you’re playing really well.’ Will there be a last hurray against Australia this summer?

“I will not destroy this.”