‘Everything took its toll’: Ben Stokes opens up about ‘negative effects’ of England manager’s retirement

Ben Stokes has said he has no further thoughts about retiring from international cricket and insists he is “very happy” with his decision, despite ending his England career with a Test series defeat to 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 for England ended on Monday as New Zealand completed a 160-run victory to win the three-match series 2-1. Stokes spent the closing stages of the match watching from the balcony outside the England dressing room.A day after 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 with everything right now,” Stokes said. “It’s a decision you don’t take lightly. It took a lot of time. I talked to a lot of people who are close to me.”“I’m done mate and I’m very happy.Stokes retired after a tough few weeks. He led England to victory in the opening Test at Lord’s before being involved in an overnight incident in London with team-mate Gus Atkinson. Both players were present at the nightclub when a member of England security staff was allegedly punched by a rugby player from English club Saracens.England left Stokes out of the second Test after saying he had breached contractual obligations. After the investigation into the incident was concluded, he returned as captain in the third Test.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 was not the only reason.“But the overriding fact is that over 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 that role of captain – as good as it is, as exciting as it is as a great honor – there are some negative consequences. I think that’s the unfortunate side that people don’t always see.”