The 35-year-old all-rounder revealed his decision during the Trent Bridge Test, with the England and Wales Cricket Board releasing an official statement while he was bowling. Moments later, Stokes produced a fairytale moment by dismissing New Zealand batter Zak Foulkes with the very next delivery.
Before the fourth day of the deciding Test, an emotional Stokes informed his teammates of his decision, urging them to give everything in the remainder of the match.
"I ve had many trips to the well before for this team... and I ve got one more trip to do," Stokes said. "The only thing I ask is that everyone gives everything for these last two days."
Stokes had missed the second Test of the series following an incident at a London nightclub but returned to lead England in Nottingham. Earlier in the week, he had only referred to captaining the side "this week," hinting at his impending retirement.
Widely regarded as one of England s greatest cricketers, Stokes produced some of the most iconic performances in the country s cricket history. His unbeaten 84 in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final helped England lift the trophy for the first time, while his unforgettable 135 not out against Australia at Headingley weeks later remains one of the greatest Ashes innings ever played.
His extraordinary performances in 2019 earned him the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
Stokes will finish his career having represented England in 122 Test matches, including 44 as captain, alongside 114 One-Day Internationals and 43 T20 Internationals. He also played a key role in England s victorious 2022 T20 World Cup campaign.
