England captain Ben Stokes made the stunning announcement of retiring from his international career at the end of the third Test against New Zealand.
All-rounder Stokes, one of the best cricketers to ever play for England, was in the middle of bowling at Trent Bridge when a statement was released confirming his intention to end his 15-year international career.
Incredibly, with the first delivery after his retirement was announced, Stokes took a wicket and Zach Fowlkes was caught at second slip.
The 35-year-old missed Englandโs second Test following an incident at a London nightclub.
Before his return to management at Nottingham, he spoke only of taking charge โthis weekโ.
And Stokes informed his England teammates of his decision ahead of the fourth day of the crucial Test against the Black Caps.
Visibly emotional in the England dressing room, Stokes said: โReasons can wait, but Iโve had a lot of trips long before this for this team, for you guys, for the people, and I have another trip ahead of me.โ
โThe only thing I ask is, please, can everyone do the same.
โWe have a lot of hard work ahead of us and the only thing I want is to be able to walk off the field, regardless of the result, knowing that this group gave their all over the last two days.
โThatโs the one thing I want everyone to give, not just to me, selfishly, but to this team.
โI have an emotional side. Now itโs time to go to work. Please, everyone else will come with me.โ