England captain Ben Stokes has confirmed that he decided to retire from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand, revealing that years of physical and mental demands had left him feeling he had "no more fight left." Stokes said the decision crystallised in the middle of the match after a heartfelt conversation with his wife, bringing an end to one of the most influential international careers of his generation.

Speaking about the emotional moment, Stokes admitted the relentless demands of international cricket had taken a significant toll. "I told my wife I don't have any more fight left," he said, explaining that the decision was not made lightly but stemmed from months of reflection on his fitness, workload and ability to continue performing at the highest level. The all-rounder has battled multiple injuries in recent years while continuing to lead England across formats.

Stokes said he wanted to step away before his body forced the decision upon him, adding that he preferred to leave the game on his own terms. Despite his competitive spirit and desire to continue contributing to England's success, he acknowledged that he could no longer meet the physical standards he expected of himself. The veteran all-rounder stressed that representing England had been the greatest honour of his career and thanked teammates, coaches, support staff and fans for their unwavering support.

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Widely regarded as one of England's greatest modern cricketers, Stokes played a defining role in several of the country's biggest triumphs. His unforgettable innings in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final helped England secure their maiden 50-over world title, while his remarkable century in the Headingley Ashes Test the same year remains one of the greatest knocks in Test cricket history. As captain, he also played a key role in transforming England's Test approach with an aggressive and fearless style of play.

Stokes' retirement marks the end of an era for England cricket, with the team now preparing for a transition in leadership and the all-rounder's role in the side. While England will lose one of its most experienced match-winners, Stokes said he leaves the international stage with no regrets, proud of everything he achieved in an England shirt. His legacy extends beyond statistics, having inspired a new generation of cricketers through his resilience, leadership and ability to deliver under pressure in the sport's biggest moments.

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