Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ben Stokes became England Test captain in 2022
ByMatthew HenryBBC Sport journalist at Trent Bridge- Published29 June 2026, 14:39 BST
England captain Ben Stokes has rejected suggestions he could reverse his international retirement for next year's Ashes, saying he is "done".
Stokes, 35, announced his shock retirement on Sunday and his storied international career ended on Monday when his side's defeat by New Zealand in the third Test was confirmed.
Asked if there is any chance he could return to play Australia next summer, he told BBC Test Match Special: "I am incredibly content with everything right now.
"It is a decision I don't take lightly. It has taken a lot of time.
"I am done. I am very happy."
Asked again if he was sure, he replied: "Sure."
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Head coach Brendon McCullum said he tried to persuade Stokes to stay when he told him of his plans on Sunday but the international career one of England's greatest cricketers ends after 15 years, 122 Tests, 114 one-day internationals and 43 T20s.
Stokes remained composed after England's 160-run defeat, which confirms a 2-1 series loss, sharing embraces with his opposition and briefly waving to the crowd after his post-match interviews.
The all-rounder said on Sunday that retirement is the "best thing" for him.
On Monday he went further in admitting the incidents of recent weeks - he was left out of the second Test against the Black Caps after breaking the team's midnight curfew - had been a factor in his decision.
"Again, there has been a series of unfortunate events happen," said Stokes.
"Am I sure over the next couple of weeks we will be able to decompress and say, 'Has it contributed?' Maybe.
"But the overriding fact is that over the last six to 12 months everything I have done over a long period has taken its toll.
"Being in this role, as good as it is, as exciting as it is, and as big an honour as it is, there are some negative aspects."
