England Test captain Ben Stokes announces international retirement

Stokes takes wicket in third Test just after news breaks

Captain informed teammates before Sunday’s play began

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement as captain of England’s Test team, and from all international cricket, effective as of the end of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

The announcement was made with England in the field, and as Stokes laboured through a trademark extended bowling spell in an effort to swing the game his team’s way. Ever the man for the big occasion, he took the wicket of Zak Foulkes with the first delivery after the news broke.