England captain Ben Stokes has announced he will retire from international cricket following the ongoing Test against New Zealand. 

The news of Stokes' imminent retirement came during day four of the match at Trent Bridge, after the 35-year-old missed the second Test against the Black Caps. 

His absence from that match – a 253-run defeat at The Oval – came amid an investigation over his role in an altercation at a London nightclub. 

Stokes returned to the fold for the final match in the series, and it will bring the curtain down on a glittering, 15-year international career.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Richard Thompson said: "Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England's greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation.

"His performances under pressure, his relentless competitiveness and his ability to produce the extraordinary when it matters most have given me and millions of other fans memories that will endure forever.

"Whether inspiring victory in the biggest moments – not least driving England to World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022 and his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley – or leading the Test team with courage and conviction, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket.

"Beyond his remarkable achievements on the field, his performances have inspired many youngsters to embrace cricket with positivity and belief. We are losing a batsman, a bowler, a captain and a talisman."

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… pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2026

Stokes will end his career having played 122 Tests, having also appeared in 114 ODIs and 43 T20s, helping England win the World Cup in each of the shortened formats, in 2019 (ODI) and 2022 (T20I).

He became captain of the red-ball team in 2022 after Joe Root relinquished the position, teaming up with head coach Brendon McCullum to instil a big-hitting approach that came to be termed 'Bazball'.

Stokes was unable to lead England to glory in the Ashes, though, as they drew 2-2 with Australia on home soil in 2023 before being thumped 4-1 Down Under in 2025-26.