‘Everything took its toll’: Ben Stokes opens up on ‘negative effects’ of England leadership after retirement call | Cricket News

Ben Stokes has said he has no plans to retire from international cricket, insisting he is “very happy” with his decision despite ending his England career with a Test series defeat in New Zealand.The England captain announced on Sunday, midway through the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, that he would retire from international cricket after the match, bringing the curtain down on a 15-year career.His last appearance in an England shirt ended on Monday when New Zealand completed a 160-run victory to win the three-match series 2-1. Stokes spent the end of the match watching from the balcony outside England’s path.A day after making his announcement, Stokes was asked by the BBC if he would be comfortable watching England’s home Ashes series against Australia next year from his sofa.“I’m incredibly happy about everything right now,” Stokes said. “It’s a decision you don’t take lightly. It took a long time. I talked to a lot of people close to me.“I’m done, my friend, and I’m very happy.”Stokes’ retirement came after several difficult weeks. He led England to victory in the opening Test at Lord’s before being involved in an overnight incident in London with teammate Gus Atkinson. The two players were present at a nightclub when a member of England’s security staff was punched by a rugby player from the English club Saracens.England left Stokes out of the second Test after claiming he had breached contractual obligations. He returned to captain the side in the third Test after investigations into the incident had concluded.Looking back on the events, Stokes described the period as “unfortunate” and “interesting”. He also admitted that the episode may have played a role in his decision to retire, although he suggested it wasn’t the only reason.“But there’s an overriding fact that in the last 6-12 months I think everything I’ve done over a long period of time has taken its toll,” Stokes said.“Being in this role of captain – as good as it is, as exciting as it is, how great an honor it is – there are some negative effects to do. I think it’s the unfortunate side that people don’t always see.”