Ben Stokes has firmly dismissed any speculation that he could be tempted to return for next winter's Ashes series against Australia, just a day after announcing his shock retirement from international cricket. Speaking after England's defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge, Stokes said: "I'm done. I've had a few questions asking whether I'll be able to sit on my sofa watching next year. I know it's the Ashes, but I'll probably be watching it in a hospitality box somewhere."
Stokes Ends Test Career on Losing Note
Stokes quit on the fourth day of the third Test against New Zealand, which ended in a 160-run victory for the visitors, sealing a 2-1 series win. It was England's first home series defeat in three or more Tests since 2012. Stokes did not play a role on the final day, having been dismissed for 30 late on Sunday after opening the batting. The team have now lost seven of their last nine Tests, piling pressure on head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key.
No Ashes Comeback, Says Stokes
Despite his history of reversing retirement decisions—having ended his ODI career only to return for the 2023 World Cup—Stokes insisted this time is different. He also previously persuaded Moeen Ali to come out of Test retirement for the Ashes. But Stokes said: "I am incredibly content with everything right now." He added: "I'm done now, I don't have to take those kind of decisions and be involved in all that stuff. One of the nice feelings of the situation I'm in now is that I don't have to worry about that stuff."
Stokes Backs Brook for Captaincy
Stokes endorsed Harry Brook as his successor as England's Test captain, calling it a "natural progression." He said: "If I was to be asked who I think should do it, I would be throwing my 100 per cent support behind Harry Brook. You are asked to be vice-captain for a reason and I was vice-captain under Joe for a long time. It's the natural progression. You don't ask someone to be vice-captain if you don't think he's got the skills and ability to captain the team."
Pressure on McCullum and Key
With England's poor run of form, McCullum and Key face scrutiny. McCullum addressed speculation over his future, saying: "My enthusiasm for English cricket and my commitment to English cricket has never wavered. I've got a firm belief in the direction that this team can go."
Final Day Drama at Trent Bridge
England resumed on 4-103, chasing 373 for victory. Joe Root and Emilio Gay departed early, but a seventh-wicket stand of 75 between Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson delayed the inevitable. Atkinson was trapped lbw by Mitchell Santner for 19, and Smith fell for 60 soon after lunch, ending England's resistance. New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell, who scored a gutsy 100 not out in the second innings, said: "We're a small country down the bottom of the Earth and something we pride ourselves on is we get stuck into whatever is needed to be done and try and get the job done."
