England lose to New Zealand as Ben Stokes ends international career with defeat

Ben Stokes' international cricket career has ended in defeat after England lost 2-1 to New Zealand at Trent Bridge by 160 runs.Following the news of Stokes' international career coming to an end during a hectic Sunday, supporters witnessed an English comedown, with the opposition just too strong.England were bowled out for 212 midway through the final day to go down 2-1, marking their first home series defeat since Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum took charge in 2022.Since 2012, England have not lost a home series of at least three matches, which saw the end of Andrew Strauss' captaincy. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Stokes leaves behind a team that is in a rut in form, having lost seven of the last nine Test outings.They had to pull out a miracle before Stokes led the team out for one final time, with 270 still to score.From 103 for four overnight, England fell to 116 for six in just 15 minutes.The occasion proved too much for Emilio Gay, featuring in just his third Test appearance, being shunted down to number six after the shuffle.LATEST SPORTS NEWSJack Draper withdraws from Wimbledon in latest blow to British tennisRory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll make major life change that affects daughter PoppyChelsea post explosive statement in response to Enzo Maresca move to Man CityHe departed in the fourth over after Nathan Smith hit his outside edge.The responsibility fell on the shoulders of Joe Root once again, but he did not even face a delivery. He was called through for a single from the non-striker's end not long after Gay's dismissal, being run out superbly by Henry Nicholls.A quick finish was on the cards for the crowd, but Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson stopped the rot.The pair played it far safer than their counterparts, holding firm for 23 overs against a depleted attack.For England and Stokes, the end was in sight when Jofra Archer was caught behind attempting to leave one, and Josh Tongue was run out by another clinical piece of fielding from Mitchell Santner.Smith was the last man out to seal New Zealand's brilliant win and conclude Stokes' England career.The 35-year-old admitted yesterday that the reason behind his sudden retirement decision was being left burnt out.There are all sorts of emotions when this day comes to everyone. There's relief, there's happiness, there's excitement, there's sadness. All of those words, they sum it up pretty well, he told Sky Sports.It's the best thing that I've ever been asked to do - captain this team and captain this country - and I'll never begrudge any moment where I've walked this team out. It's simply the greatest honour you could ever put on your shoulders as a player.But there's another side to it all which people don't see, and people don't understand. My family, and particularly my wife, can see what you go through emotionally. As good as it is, there are bits where it does get to you, it does drain you, it does affect you in a negative way.But, overall, it's literally been four and a half years where I've loved every single moment. But sometimes, some moments have been harder than others.Stokes turns his attention to country cricket as he bids farewell to England.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