Ben Stokes addresses surprise England retirement in first social media statement since decision

Ben Stokes has posted a lengthy statement on social media for the first time since stepping down as England captain and retiring from international cricket.

Stokes has called time on his international career following the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, which England lost by 160 runs.

The announcement was made on day four, while Stokes was still bowling, and he subsequently came out to open the batting for just the third time in his Test career for England's ultimately unsuccessful chase of 373.

The 35-year-old hit 30 off 20 balls before being caught at short mid-on, having been promoted due to a collective decision to attack New Zealand's bowlers on day four in anticipation of pitch conditions worsening.

Stokes had initially planned to announce his retirement at the end of day four, but head coach Brendon McCullum convinced him to reveal it during play so he could be applauded on to the field for his final batting innings by spectators at Trent Bridge.

READ MORE: Ben Stokes changed mind over retirement plan after Brendon McCullum intervention

Stokes told media that he had held doubts over whether to continue as England captain over the past 12 months, and that he had in fact made his final decision while getting ready to bat in England's first innings.

"I absolutely love cricket, and that's something I need to make sure that I'm always doing," he said. "Over the last six months, 12 months, there's been certain moments where I felt like I haven't loved it."

The Durham all-rounder is not a regular user of social media, and at the time of his retirement being announced, his last post on Instagram was back in March.

Following the Test at Trent Bridge, he posted a series of photos from during the New Zealand series, but has now addressed his decision to retire in a statement on his Instagram account.

"It's been a mad 15 years," he began, referencing his international debut back in 2011. "It's had everything thrown in there, from the highest highs to the lowest lows (on and off the field).

"My time was up, and no-one was going to be able to make that decision other than me.

"But in the meantime, I just want to say I love every single England fan and every single cricket fan who's supported me over the years. I love every single person I've walked out onto the field with representing England.

"I could go on and on, but I hope you get the gist of how much I loved doing what I did for 15 years.

"I'm looking forward to being a fan and supporting the team, and the odd day in hospitality won't go amiss. Family, friends, team-mates, fans... I love yas all. Stokesy."

Will Ben Stokes continue playing after England retirement?

Stokes has confirmed he will play county cricket for Durham following his international retirement.

He told BBC's Test Match Special that "here wasn't a moment when I didn't enjoy playing for Durham" during their recent County Championship Division Two clash against Northamptonshire.

Stokes played for his county after being left out of England's squad for the second Test against New Zealand after the curfew-related incident involving himself and team-mate Gus Atkinson.

The 35-year-old took a wicket in Northamptonshire's first innings and then hit 95 off 118 balls with the bat, with 18 fours.

"Being able to compare what it was like being back at my county, where everything started and people who I grew up with, and to compare to here [England], where I've always loved, not to feel that sense of love and completeness and enjoyment, then you just know," he said.

Stokes may also explore opportunities in white-ball franchise cricket - something his expected successor as England Test captain, Harry Brook, says he won't be doing.

"I've committed completely to English cricket," current England white-ball captain Brook told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Harry Brook makes England Test captaincy decision after Ben Stokes retirement

"I've said that I don't want to play any franchise cricket barring The Hundred. Everything that I want to do is to play cricket for England, and whatever I do on and off the field is to try and perform as well as I possible can for England. Hence the reason I don't play in the IPL and PSL, and all the other franchise competitions."

Brook was signed by Delhi Capitals for the 2025 edition of the IPL but pulled out before the season began.

As per tournament protocol, he was blocked from entering the auction for two years as a result - but will not seek to be added to that auction when his ban expires in any case.