Ben Stokes: England captain says retiring from international cricket is ‘the best thing’ for him

Stokes played for Durham while away from the England squad for the second Test and said returning to his home country rekindled his love for the game. He confirmed that he will continue to play domestic cricket.

“When I came back to Durham, when I wasn’t playing in the second Test, I breathed new life into the game, but unfortunately I couldn’t get that feeling back this week,” Stokes said.

“I’m very excited about the next part of my job. Coming back to playing for my boyhood club Durham, I compare this week to that week; I’m very excited at the moment but there have been some really tough moments this week and that adds to everything and makes it clear that I’ve made the right decision.”

Stokes said he made the decision to retire as he put on his pads to prepare for England’s first innings at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

He told former captain Joe Root and vice-captain Harry Brook on Saturday evening, then revealed the news to the rest of the team on Sunday morning.

“It’s been an interesting four or five weeks, maybe six months overall,” Stokes added. “There are all kinds of emotions when this day comes; relief, happiness, excitement, sadness. Everything you experience.

“Being captain of England was the best thing that was ever asked of me. It’s the greatest honor to carry it on your shoulders, but there’s also another side to it that people don’t see, only those closest to you see it.

“My family, my wife, they see the points where it drains you and affects you negatively.”