England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from all international cricket on Sunday, ahead of the fourth day of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
The 35-year-old all-rounder is playing his 122nd Test match and 279th international appearance for England.
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Stokes shared the news with his teammates before taking the field, saying: "There's something that I know is going to happen over the next two days, which is that this is my last two days as your captain, my last two days representing England."
He urged the team to focus on the match. "Reasons can wait.
But I've had many trips to the well before for this team... and I've got one more trip to do."
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Stokes called for full commitment over the remaining two days: "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 of men, and one lady, do everything for the last two days."
England Cricket paid tribute on social media, calling him "one of England's all-time greatest captains" and stating: "Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for."
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The red-ball squad will have a seven-week break before a three-match series against Pakistan in August, where a permanent captaincy replacement will be identified.
