Ben Stokes announces shock retirement after New Zealand series as England release statement

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket following the end of England's series with New Zealand.

England captain Stokes has confirmed his retirement from international cricket during the third Test match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

The announcement, which comes as a huge surprise, was made as he was bowling during the afternoon session on the fourth day of the series decider.

In a statement confirming the news, England's official social media account wrote: "One of England's all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match.

"Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for.

"We love you so much and wish you all the best in your retirement.

"England will never be the same again."

Stokes communicated his decision to his teammates early this morning, with England's account sharing a video of the candid moment.

"There's something that I know is going to happen over the next two days," a clearly emotional Stokes said to the rest of the England team.

"This is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England.

"The reasons can wait why, but I've had many trips to the well before for this team, for you blokes, for people beforehand, and I've got one more trip to do.

"The only thing that I ask, please, is can everyone do the same? We've got a lot of hard work to do, and the only thing I want is to be able to walk off that field, regardless of the result, knowing that I've had this group give everything for the last two days.

"That's the only thing I want is for everyone to give it, not only for me, selfishly, but also for this team and everything else we've got going forward or you blokes.

"I've got the emotional side out of it. Now it's time to go to work. Please, everyone else come with me."

Stokes' decision comes after he missed England's second Test after being involved in an incident in a London nightclub.

Across his 15-year international career, the 35-year-old has been involved in several moments that will forever be remembered in English sporting history.

READ MORE: An interview with Ben Stokes: 'English cricket doesn't lack talent... there are quite a few names'

Of course, his greatest feat came in the summer of 2019, when he made 84 runs to help England win the World Cup for the first time, defeating New Zealand in a stunning final.

Just six weeks later, he was vital to defeating Australia in the third Ashes Test with 135 not out, with this and the World Cup win leading to him winning Sports Personality of the Year a few months later.

Across his whole career, Stokes will have played 122 Tests for England, 44 of which as captain.

He boasts a win record of almost 56% in Tests as captain.

Who will replace Ben Stokes as England captain?

Of course, with Stokes stepping away from England cricket, questions will be raised about who will be selected to succeed him as captain.

As it stands, there are several players that appear to be the frontrunners, with Joe Root, England's most successful skipper in Tests, one potential option.

Root captained England for five years before stepping down to let Stokes take the role, but with Root seemingly not enjoying captaincy, it's likely England will look elsewhere.

Recalling Ollie Pope is another option that some have suggested England could consider as an, albeit unlikely, choice to replace Stokes.

Pope was dropped from the side following a poor Ashes 2025-26 series, but has served as the Test captain before.

However, it is certainly most likely that Harry Brook will replace Stokes as Test captain despite his recent fallout in a bar during the New Zealand tour.