England coach Brendon McCullum was reportedly the last person in the team's inner circle to learn about Ben Stokes' decision to retire from international cricket. According to reports, Stokes informed vice-captain Harry Brook and former captain Joe Root before telling McCullum, who only found out on Sunday morning shortly before the rest of the squad.
McCullum revealed that he tried to persuade Stokes to reconsider, but the England captain was firm in his decision. Recalling their brief conversation, McCullum said Stokes simply told him, "I'm done," leaving no room for further discussion.
Despite speculation about possible tensions, Stokes dismissed any suggestion of a strained relationship and praised his four-and-a-half-year partnership with McCullum and ECB managing director Rob Key. He also made it clear that he would not be involved in decisions regarding England's future leadership.
Although Stokes plans to continue playing domestic and franchise cricket, leading to speculation about a potential return for future Ashes campaigns, the 35-year-old insisted that his retirement from international cricket is final.
Stokes ends his international career as one of the game's greatest all-rounders, scoring 7,273 Test runs and taking 252 wickets in 122 matches. Alongside Jacques Kallis, he is one of only two players in Test history to achieve the double of 7,000 runs and 250 wickets.
