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'It's not happening' - Stokes rules out Ashes comeback

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, Stokes 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 of 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, who reversed a white-ball retirement to play at the 2023 World Cup. "I am 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."

The series defeat by the Black Caps is England's first at home in a series of three Tests or more since 2012. It also follows the 4-1 Ashes defeat and leaves them without a series win since late 2024.

Stokes, England's Test captain since 2022, has provided some of England's most iconic moments. His epic match-winning unbeaten century against Australia at Headingley in 2019 will go down in history, as will his performance to help England win the 50-over World Cup final at Lord's earlier that year.

"I will miss everything to do with this," he said. "I guess that's part of getting older. There's a lot of things you are going to miss. There's some things, maybe, you are glad you don't have to do anymore."

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McCullum 'felt sad' when Stokes told him of retirement

McCullum's position will now come under intense scrutiny. As he did after the Ashes, the New Zealander said he wants to remain as coach.

"My commitment to English cricket has never wavered," said McCullum. "I firmly believe in the direction that we can get this team to take. "Just because you haven't won doesn't mean those things are wrong.

"We'll continue to look to improve, we'll continue to look to evolve, we'll continue to look to whilst having our identity, keep progressing and improving and ultimately become a better cricket team. I'm excited about what that looks like."

On Stokes' retirement, McCullum said: "He had made up his mind and it became pretty obvious that he was keen to step away. "From there it turned to just a bit sad really. Sad because for four years we've worked intimately together and we've been through a lot together.

"He was an inspiration to work with. I call him a good friend and wish him all the best for the future."