Retirement the best thing for me - Stokes

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, stating that the decision is the "best thing" for him right now. The 35-year-old all-rounder, considered one of England's greatest cricketers, revealed that his final Test match against New Zealand would be his last.

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It might sound quite selfish but this decision is genuinely the best thing for me right now.

Stokes explained that he had been contemplating retirement since England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and felt further thoughts during the first Test of the summer at Lord's. He described experiencing negative feelings about his career's trajectory and feeling burned out from trying to rectify things.

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I hope it's the best thing for the team going forward but I also hope it's what will allow me to keep loving this game that has given me so much.

Returning to play for his county, Durham, during his absence from the England team for the second Test against New Zealand, rekindled Stokes' love for the game. He confirmed he will continue to play domestic cricket, expressing excitement for this next chapter while acknowledging the tough moments that solidified his decision.

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The Lord's Test, for me, was something that brought back some kind of negative feelings about where I was in my career.

Stokes shared that he informed former captain Joe Root and vice-captain Harry Brook of his decision on Saturday evening before telling the rest of the team on Sunday morning. He reflected on the mixed emotions of relief, happiness, excitement, and sadness that accompany such a significant life change, calling captaining England the "greatest honour" but also acknowledging the personal toll it takes.

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I put so much time and effort into doing that and I think I just burned myself out.