Ben Stokes takes wicket with very first ball after announcing retirement intentions

Ben Stokes incredibly took a wicket with the very first ball he threw after announcing his intentions to retire from international cricket.The fitting moment saw the England captain have Zak Foulkes caught at second slip, with emotions running high at Trent Bridge.The 35-year-old wheeled away in celebrations as fans let out the biggest cheer of the Test series against New Zealand.Stokes also received a guard of honour, as his colleagues and supporters recognised the brilliance of his 15-year international career. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Speaking to his teammates in a video released by the ECB, Stokes said: There's something that I know is going to happen over the next two days, which is going to be that this is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England.Reasons can wait, [in terms of] why, but I've had many trips to the well before for this team, for you boys and for people beforehand. And I've got one more trip to do.And the only thing that I ask please, is that everyone please does the same. We've got a lot of hard work still to do and the only thing that I want is to be able to walk off that field, regardless of the result, knowing that I've had this group of men - and one lady - give everything for the last two days.The only thing I want is just for everyone to give it everything, not only for me selfishly, but also for the team and everything else that we've got going forward for you blokes.LATEST SPORTS NEWSWorld Cup day 18: Reaction after England beat Panama and Ronaldo left frustratedEngland handed huge Reece James injury boost after defender missed Panama victoryRory McIlroy set to avoid punishment despite breaking strict PGA Tour ruleAll the taps on the behind, all the emotion, all that kind of stuff - please can we just wait for the end of the game because we've still got a load of work to do and I've got a load more work that I want to do.Let's just go out there and give absolutely everything for another two days, alright? That's my only intention, and that's where all my energy is right now. Got the emotional side out of the way, but now it's time to go to work, and everyone else, please just come with me.The cricket world has been reacting to the retirement announcement of Stokes.Former England star Stuart Broad told Sky Sports: We're so lucky, with the cricket community and the fans in England - whether this was at The Oval, Lord's, Trent Bridge - that ovation would be the same for Ben Stokes.They were up, roaring, cheering him... and then he takes a wicket that next ball!The scenes of the England team, but also the scenes in the crowd of people celebrating with their friends and family because they've witnessed a moment like that.Broad continued: He was incredible [to play with]. It always had that feeling that he'd run through a brick wall, as he has done so many times.He wants to be in the game at all times, whether it's easy or hard. It was almost as if the harder it got, the more he wanted to bat or bowl.As a teammate, you can't help but respect him and love him. And I would class him as a true friend.England cricketer Chris Woakes said: Ever since he became captain, his team have always tried to be on the front foot and take the game forward.Everything that is good has to come to an end at some point, and Ben has obviously decided it's his time, but within the dressing room whenever he spoke, you listened.As a leader, whatever you say in the dressing room, whatever the plan is, as captain you've then got to show that in your actions and Ben did that every time.Win two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. ExpressVPN are giving one lucky Friend or Member the chance to experience football's biggest tournament live, with flights and accommodation covered by GB News. Entries close 30 June. ENTER HERE. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter