'I tried to talk him down': McCullum on Stokes' retirement decision

Head coach Brendon McCullum said he tried talking Ben Stokes out of retiring from international cricket, following England's 160-run defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge that saw them lose the series 2-1.

The Test marked Stokes' final international appearance, with the all-rounder announcing his decision to teammates before play on Day 4.

"When he confirmed he was going to retire, first I tried to talk him down… it became pretty obvious he had made his decision and he was at peace," McCullum told Sky Sports.

"Your emotion then leads to sadness because you've been on this journey together for four years. I feel privileged to have worked intimately with Stokesy and consider him a good friend."

McCullum praised Stokes as a "leader of men" who was "hard to turn around" once his mind was made up.

"He is a leader of men — people follow him wherever he goes. In a game with so many variables, he brings consistency and conviction. That adds calm to those around him. We're going to miss Ben — his presence, his leadership, his performance. It's difficult to replace someone like that."

McCullum justified announcing the retirement mid-Test, saying fans deserved to know and bid farewell.

"I was quite strong that we should get it out there when we could. He's been a cricketer who transcends sport into other aspects of society. The people who've supported him over 13 years deserve the opportunity to say goodbye."

On the next captain, McCullum remained tight-lipped.

"We've got a few weeks before the next Test series. We'll sit down and map out what that looks like. We have strong leaders and options. They won't be Ben Stokes — he was his own type of leader. We want to celebrate his time, and in time we'll think about those decisions."

'I really don't want to look forward to it': Archer on life after Stokes

Pacer Jofra Archer, England's Player of the Series, grew emotional discussing Stokes.

"Not just as a captain, but as a friend — someone you can always go to. It's going to be a big miss. The hardest part is imagining the changing room without him. Every game I've played, he's been there. I really don't want to look forward to it."

Joe Root, who played alongside Stokes in 120 of his 122 Tests, echoed those sentiments.

"It's going to be strange not seeing him around. I don't think many players can say they've changed the way you look at the game. His influence on players, crowds, and young kids growing up — it's incredible what he's done over such a long period."