Ben Stokes: England captain delivers drama but did 'crazy cricket' deny him dream end to 'extraordinary' Test career?

Ben Stokes was unable to produce the fairytale ending to his time as England's captain, having played the hero at numerous points during his glittering international career.

Stokes announced via a statement released on Sunday - midway through the afternoon session and while he was bowling - that the Test series decider against New Zealand would be his last international match, some 15 years on from his England debut and after four years as Test captain.

The 35-year-old has played starring roles in World Cup victories and historic Ashes run chases, and broken records during his England career, with the all-rounder initially still hoping for one more magical moment in his Test finale at Trent Bridge.

Stokes took a wicket with the first ball he bowled immediately after the retirement announcement went public, then smashed 30 from 20 deliveries after deciding to open the batting for England's attempted run chase.

He was given a standing ovation after being dismissed, with England reaching stumps on 103-4 after a chaotic 15 overs left them on the brink of a series defeat on home soil.

England will require a further 270 runs for victory on the fifth and final day in Nottingham, with former captain Michael Atherton questioning whether a different approach may have given Stokes a better chance of making a match-winning impact.