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Deborah Haynes, security and defence editor
Jun 29
UK to replace fleet of destroyers with 'budget warships'

The move - described by one source as a "pragmatic solution" to funding constraints - will form part of the long-delayed defence investment plan, which the government is finally expected to unveil on Tuesday. However, it will leave the Royal Navy without a like-for-like successor for its Type 45 destroyer. The £1bn warship is currently the only piece of British kit that can intercept ballistic missiles. Dan Jarvis, the defence secretary, is thought to have secured up to £1.5bn in additional money for the armed forces on top of some £13.5bn already fought for by John Healey, his predecessor. Yet the amount remains far short of the tens of billions of pounds of extra funding that military insiders say would be required to fix the UK's hollowed-out defences in time for a potential war with Russia by 2030 - a timeline that Sir Keir Starmer has used. Mr Healey quit earlier this month in protest at a failure by the outgoing prime minister to invest faster, and while his successor has spent the past two-and-a-half weeks tweaking the investment plan, the revised document is still set to leave the military wanting. Rather than wallow in despair, though, the army, navy and air force appear to be attempting to make the best of a less-than-optimum outcome. They need to do all they can, regardless of political priorities, to embrace new technologies and regrow credible fighting power at a time of mounting threats. "This seems to be the most pragmatic solution," the defence source said, referring to the announcement by the Ministry of Defence that the navy's six Type 45 destroyers will eventually be replaced by what the department is calling a "common combat vessel". There is not yet a contract for this ship - the model does not even have a name - but it will be a crewed frigate, which is smaller than a destroyer, and could well be an iteration of the new Type 31 variant that is already being built. The "common combat vessel" will be focused on defending against incoming missiles and drones, which is a core task of a destroyer, rather than anti-submarine warfare, which is a key role of an ordinary frigate. The proposed new warship is also expected to operate alongside a suite of uncrewed air, sea and sub-surface drones, including missile barges to provide a layered air defence. It means, in theory, this "hybrid" capability - which is apparently due to enter into service from the early 2030s, though these sorts of procurements have a sorry history of running late - should be able to perform the same air defence role as a Type 45, but at half the price, according to the defence source. As well as being good for keeping down cost, deploying budget warships also makes them more expendable in a fight. At present, the navy runs the risk of only having ships - such as its destroyers and its two £3bn aircraft carriers - that are deemed too expensive to deploy in hostile waters. "Our Royal Navy is a formidable force, operating to protect our nation and our allies in the Atlantic and beyond," Mr Jarvis said in a statement. "These common combat vessels will provide our dedicated sailors with hybrid ships that are designed and built for the increasing threats we face." Read more from Sky News:Search for survivors of Venezuela quakes continuesPrince Harry 'reconsidering bringing family on UK trip'Eleven people killed in skydiving aircraft crash The announcement spells the end of naval aspirations to acquire a next-generation destroyer, called the Type 83, which would have been even more costly than the Type 45. Tom Sharpe, a former naval commander, warned that there was a risk in betting on technology that was not yet proven to compensate for warships that the navy could no longer afford. "It does feel a bit defeatist," he said. The Royal Navy - once the most powerful naval force on the planet - has struggled in recent decades as a failure to invest earlier in a replacement fleet of frigates has left its remaining six or seven Type 23 vessels limping on or out of service. The Type 45 destroyers are newer, but they have suffered from engine woes that mean at any one time half, if not more, of the fleet is alongside in maintenance. Under the investment plan, the navy ultimately aims to acquire a total of 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates, a mix of Type 26 and Type 31 models. A prospective Type 32 variant is now thought to be dead. In addition, it is expected to receive at least six of these new air defence "common combat vessels" to replace the destroyers, along with a range of different types of much cheaper uncrewed platforms. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the previous chief of the defence staff, was scathing about how the armed forces had been allowed to whither under successive governments. In a sign of this decline, the UK is second from the bottom of a table that ranks which country is meeting its NATO commitments, propped up by Iceland, which does not have a military. "Hardly 'leading in Europe'," Sir Tony wrote in an article for The Times. "More 'NATO 31st' than 'NATO First'. Awkward." The former military chief was referring to the mantra of "NATO first" that runs through a sweeping review of defence that was published under the Starmer government in June 2025, underlining the priority Britain places on being a leading member of the alliance. That review set out plans to transform, regrow and modernise the military over the next decade. It should have been followed by the investment plan last autumn. However, the Strategic Defence Review was never properly funded, and the ambition that it envisaged was always unaffordable, meaning the Ministry of Defence would need to impose swingeing cuts at a time when the rest of Europe was regrowing their militaries at pace. The mismatch triggered months of wrangling, which delayed the release of the investment plan.

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Bethany Minelle, arts and entertainment reporter
Jun 25
Harvey Weinstein will not face fourth New York rape trial

The judge formally dismissed the case on Thursday. In May, the 74-year-old's third trial over the allegation ended in a mistrial after the jury said it was deadlocked. The majority-male jury had been unable to reach a unanimous decision over whether Weinstein had raped former aspiring actor Ms Mann, now aged 40, in 2013 in a New York hotel. Ms Mann appeared to support Thursday's decision, saying in a letter that a prosecutor read to the court: "After a lot of thought and reflection, I have chosen not to proceed with a fourth trial against Harvey Weinstein. It was clear to me at this last trial I could no longer endure going through this any longer." Weinstein had a neutral expression as court officers led him out of court in his wheelchair. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape in the third degree, and has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. The May mistrial came nearly a year after another New York jury failed to reach a verdict on a charge tied to Ms Mann's allegations, which she recounted across five days in court. At his ‌first ⁠trial in New York in 2020, Weinstein was convicted of raping Ms Mann and assaulting onetime production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006. But the state's highest court overturned the conviction and Weinstein's 23-year prison sentence after concluding he did not get a fair trial. A Manhattan jury then convicted Weinstein of sexually abusing Ms Haley at a trial in June 2025, but found him ​not guilty of assaulting former model Kaja Sokola. The same jury were ⁠deadlocked on the third-degree rape charge relating to Ms Mann, and a mistrial was declared, paving the way for May's retrial. Weinstein ​was convicted of rape in California in 2022 and is serving ​a 16-year prison sentence. He is appealing that conviction and sentence. The Miramax studio co-founder will face up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced for abusing Ms Haley. Weinstein has remained in custody serving his setence at New York's maximum-security prison, Rikers Island, while prosecutors weighed the possibility of a further New York retrial.

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Deborah Haynes, security and defence editor
Jun 29
UK to replace fleet of destroyers with 'budget warships'

The move - described by one source as a "pragmatic solution" to funding constraints - will form part of the long-delayed defence investment plan, which the government is finally expected to unveil on Tuesday. However, it will leave the Royal Navy without a like-for-like successor for its Type 45 destroyer. The £1bn warship is currently the only piece of British kit that can intercept ballistic missiles. Dan Jarvis, the defence secretary, is thought to have secured up to £1.5bn in additional money for the armed forces on top of some £13.5bn already fought for by John Healey, his predecessor. Yet the amount remains far short of the tens of billions of pounds of extra funding that military insiders say would be required to fix the UK's hollowed-out defences in time for a potential war with Russia by 2030 - a timeline that Sir Keir Starmer has used. Mr Healey quit earlier this month in protest at a failure by the outgoing prime minister to invest faster, and while his successor has spent the past two-and-a-half weeks tweaking the investment plan, the revised document is still set to leave the military wanting. Rather than wallow in despair, though, the army, navy and air force appear to be attempting to make the best of a less-than-optimum outcome. They need to do all they can, regardless of political priorities, to embrace new technologies and regrow credible fighting power at a time of mounting threats. "This seems to be the most pragmatic solution," the defence source said, referring to the announcement by the Ministry of Defence that the navy's six Type 45 destroyers will eventually be replaced by what the department is calling a "common combat vessel". There is not yet a contract for this ship - the model does not even have a name - but it will be a crewed frigate, which is smaller than a destroyer, and could well be an iteration of the new Type 31 variant that is already being built. The "common combat vessel" will be focused on defending against incoming missiles and drones, which is a core task of a destroyer, rather than anti-submarine warfare, which is a key role of an ordinary frigate. The proposed new warship is also expected to operate alongside a suite of uncrewed air, sea and sub-surface drones, including missile barges to provide a layered air defence. It means, in theory, this "hybrid" capability - which is apparently due to enter into service from the early 2030s, though these sorts of procurements have a sorry history of running late - should be able to perform the same air defence role as a Type 45, but at half the price, according to the defence source. As well as being good for keeping down cost, deploying budget warships also makes them more expendable in a fight. At present, the navy runs the risk of only having ships - such as its destroyers and its two £3bn aircraft carriers - that are deemed too expensive to deploy in hostile waters. "Our Royal Navy is a formidable force, operating to protect our nation and our allies in the Atlantic and beyond," Mr Jarvis said in a statement. "These common combat vessels will provide our dedicated sailors with hybrid ships that are designed and built for the increasing threats we face." Read more from Sky News:Search for survivors of Venezuela quakes continuesPrince Harry 'reconsidering bringing family on UK trip'Eleven people killed in skydiving aircraft crash The announcement spells the end of naval aspirations to acquire a next-generation destroyer, called the Type 83, which would have been even more costly than the Type 45. Tom Sharpe, a former naval commander, warned that there was a risk in betting on technology that was not yet proven to compensate for warships that the navy could no longer afford. "It does feel a bit defeatist," he said. The Royal Navy - once the most powerful naval force on the planet - has struggled in recent decades as a failure to invest earlier in a replacement fleet of frigates has left its remaining six or seven Type 23 vessels limping on or out of service. The Type 45 destroyers are newer, but they have suffered from engine woes that mean at any one time half, if not more, of the fleet is alongside in maintenance. Under the investment plan, the navy ultimately aims to acquire a total of 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates, a mix of Type 26 and Type 31 models. A prospective Type 32 variant is now thought to be dead. In addition, it is expected to receive at least six of these new air defence "common combat vessels" to replace the destroyers, along with a range of different types of much cheaper uncrewed platforms. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the previous chief of the defence staff, was scathing about how the armed forces had been allowed to whither under successive governments. In a sign of this decline, the UK is second from the bottom of a table that ranks which country is meeting its NATO commitments, propped up by Iceland, which does not have a military. "Hardly 'leading in Europe'," Sir Tony wrote in an article for The Times. "More 'NATO 31st' than 'NATO First'. Awkward." The former military chief was referring to the mantra of "NATO first" that runs through a sweeping review of defence that was published under the Starmer government in June 2025, underlining the priority Britain places on being a leading member of the alliance. That review set out plans to transform, regrow and modernise the military over the next decade. It should have been followed by the investment plan last autumn. However, the Strategic Defence Review was never properly funded, and the ambition that it envisaged was always unaffordable, meaning the Ministry of Defence would need to impose swingeing cuts at a time when the rest of Europe was regrowing their militaries at pace. The mismatch triggered months of wrangling, which delayed the release of the investment plan.

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David Currie at Trent Bridge
Jun 28
England vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket prompts chaotic finish to day four of third Test at Trent Bridge

Stokes' decision, and a chaotic few hours that followed, sadly does not mask the fact that England appear destined to lose a first home series of three or more matches since 2012. They head into the fifth and final day on 103-4, needing a further 270 to win. The shock news broke at 3.25pm in the midst of a typically lionhearted Stokes spell with the ball that saw him bowl 11 overs unchanged from lunch through to tea. Scorecard: England vs New Zealand, third Test, Trent BridgeGot Sky? Watch England vs NZ live on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Get instant access with NOW - no contract Stokes takes centre stage with ball and bat Within three minutes of the announcement, and with the news filtering around the ground, Stokes took a wicket with his very next ball to spark scenes of wild celebration. An 'I was there' moment, the latest in a career littered with them. But Stokes was not done there. Once New Zealand declared at 288-9, upon Daryl Mitchell bringing up a brave, dogged 241-ball hundred, Stokes opened the batting and came out swinging from ball one! He hit two majestic maximums, as well as a couple of boundaries in a 20-ball 30, but there was to be no repeat of his 2019 Headingley heroics to sign off his England career as his frenetic knock reached its inevitable end in the eighth over with a swipe straight to mid-on. Stokes was rightly awarded a standing ovation in salute to his remarkable career, as well as recognition of the parting entertainment provided, but England's aggressive approach did not stop with his exit. Jacob Bethell still batted at No 3 - ahead of opener Emilio Gay (6no), who continued to be bumped down the order until No 6 - but he departed lbw for a fourth-ball duck when leaving one from Zak Foulkes (3-42) which nipped back into the left-hander, DRS confirming his dismissal. Harry Brook (21) did not exactly make his case to be Stokes' successor as Test captain with a chaotic nine-ball stay that, yes, contained three boundaries and a six, but saw him throw his wicket away with a scoop down fine leg's throat. Ben Duckett (36), fresh from his fine hundred in the first innings, again played nicely until he edged to slip off Ben Sears (1-3) as New Zealand delivered another devastating blow. Joe Root (9no) remains to give the hosts a glimmer of hope, as does a depleted New Zealand bowling attack - making England's approach with the bat all the more bizarre. The Black Caps are already sans the injured Matt Henry and rested Kyle Jamieson for this Test, Blair Tickner was lost to concussion in the first innings, and though Foulkes has done brilliantly as his replacement, Will O'Rourke is also struggling with a finger injury that saw him leave the field after being struck by one off Stokes' bat from his only delivery of the innings so far. Mitchell's brave hundred builds New Zealand's lead New Zealand were very much in the ascendancy to start the fourth morning, having already accumulated a 204-run lead and still with seven wickets in hand. England needed a spark and it looked like it had arrived immediately as Mitchell was given out lbw to Jofra Archer in the second over of the day, only for it to be rightly overturned on review, much to the batter's obvious delight. He and Rachin Ravindra dug in and denied England for most of the first session, the pair cautiously going about their task on a disintegrating pitch offering variable bounce as they added only 60 runs from the 25 overs bowled before lunch. Shoaib Bashir (1-42) finally provided the breakthrough in the penultimate over before the interval, trapping Ravindra (94) lbw six short of his century. Stokes (2-49) and Archer (4-53) then combined to rip out New Zealand's lower order as three wickets fell in as many overs upon the restart. Archer bounced out Tom Blundell (18) and found Nathan Smith's edge either side of Stokes picking up Mitchell Santner for a duck - DRS detecting a fine edge after an England review - in the midst of his tireless spell spanning the afternoon session. At that stage, New Zealand were seven down and leading by 290, but Mitchell continued to deny them, wearing multiple blows on his bruised body as he shepherded the tail towards his century, all the while adding further crucial runs to the tourists' lead. But while the game began to get away from England, Stokes would take centre stage for one final time. His dismissal of Foulkes immediately after news broke of his impending international retirement will live long in the memory - as will his chaotic cameo with the bat that followed. England, though, suffered amid the emotion and frenzy of the final throes of the evening session and are staring down a series defeat on day five unless someone can step up to provide their skipper with one parting gift. Stokes: England retirement 'best thing for me' Ben Stokes, speaking to Sky Sports Cricket: "There's a lot of types of emotions where I think this day comes to everyone - there's relief, there's happiness, there's excitement, there's sadness - there's everything that you go through. "It has been really tough and I'm sure a lot of captains can understand it. Someone I've spoken to quite a lot around this stuff is Joe [Root] and he gets it. "It's the best thing that I've ever been asked to do, to captain this team and captain this country. I'll never begrudge any moment where I've captained the team and walked the team out. "It's simply the greatest honour you could ever have put on your shoulders as a player, but there's another side to it all where people don't see and people don't understand. "As good as it is, there are bits [to captaincy] where it does get you, it does drain you and it does affect you in a negative way. "As I was putting me pads on yesterday, getting ready to go out there, that was that sort of last nail in the coffin. "I absolutely love cricket and actually being back at Durham for the last 10 days, when I wasn't part of the second Test match, I found a new lease of life with what my affection was towards cricket. "I just couldn't get that same feeling back here this week, as much as I was trying. "To be honest, it might sound quite selfish, but this decision is generally the best thing for me right now. Whether that means it's the best thing for the team going forward, I hope so. "It comes down to what I think is going to allow me to still love this game that I've played since I was a kid and has given me a career. "There's been moments this week where it's been really tough and I think again that just adds to everything. It really makes it very clear in your mind that you're probably making the right decision. "It's brutal what we do - physically, mentally. Even the stuff away from it, what you have to put in and the hard work, even that's just getting a bit tiring these days. "At 35, I feel like I've got to do so much physical work to keep myself doing what I do out there. Again, do I have that in me? Do I have that fight in me to keep doing that, because of what I know it takes to walk out there and play for this country? "There's so many things that have leaned me towards knowing that this is the right decision. There's the emotional side, the physical side, mental side." 'A warrior for English cricket who will be sorely missed' Sky Sports Cricket's Stuart Broad: "Just standing next to him there, it's the right decision. He knows he's finished playing cricket at the highest level, under this pressure, under this scrutiny. "It's a shame for England fans that we won't see him put on that shirt again. And for us, in the job we do, as he's so entertaining to talk about and comment on. "He's been a generational talent, an outstanding warrior for English cricket, and he will be sorely missed. "I am [sad to see him go]. I really hoped he would continue through to next summer and lead this team a little longer. "I feel the same with Joe Root, and these players who we've seen for a long period of time influence English cricket, you want to soak up and enjoy watching them for longer. "Now we won't see him at the highest level on the greatest stage, but we have some pretty special memories. "And as a team-mate I just have to say he was the most incredible team-mate to have. You knew he was always with you, always supporting you and doing everything for the team to win." England vs New Zealand - results and schedule All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports First Test (Lord's) - England won by 115 runsSecond Test (The Kia Oval) - New Zealand won by 253 runsThird Test (Trent Bridge) - June 25-29 (11am) Watch day five of the third Test between England and New Zealand, live on Sky Sports Cricket on Monday from 10.15am (first ball 11am). Stream cricket and more with NOW - no contract.

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No Writer
Jun 29
Man charged with murder after body found at stone circle following summer solstice

Derbyshire Constabulary said they were called to reports of a man's body being found in the area of the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees at about 1.40pm on 22 June. Isaac Clare-Watts was declared dead at the scene. Szymon Babynko, of Commonwealth Way, London, was arrested on Thursday in connection with the incident. Mr Babynko, 23 and who is originally from Poland, has now been charged with murder. He was also charged with attempted murder in relation to an incident in Chesterfield on Thursday. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Derby Magistrates Court on Monday. Nine Ladies Stone Circle is part of a complex of prehistoric circles and standing stones on Stanton Moor. Most of these are thought to date from the Bronze Age, around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, according to the English Heritage website. The discovery of Mr Clare-Watts' body came after the celebration on 21 June of the summer solstice, which falls on the longest day of the year. Detective Inspector Tony Owen from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, who is leading the investigation, previously appealed for any witnesses who were at the solstice celebration between Friday and Tuesday to come forward. He said on Wednesday: "I am urgently appealing for anyone who attended the summer solstice event over the weekend to please speak to officers as soon as they can. "A young man's life has been taken in the most brutal way so it is vital that myself and the team build up a clear picture of the exact circumstances surrounding his death."

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Nicole Johnston, news correspondent
Jun 25
Australia's highest-paid TV presenter faces backlash over Tommy Robinson interview

Karl Stefanovic is a household name in Australia as the long-time host of breakfast programme Today. But featuring Robinson, the founder of the anti-Islamist English Defence League, appears to have been a step too far for the Channel Nine network. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Channel Nine bosses held crisis talks after the episode featuring Robinson went online on Tuesday. It was no longer available on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts on Wednesday. The podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, was an independent production not associated with Channel Nine. The broadcaster is now negotiating terms for Stefanovic's departure, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Read more from Sky News:Heatwave could be new normalFamily sues Tesla over fatal crash In a statement, Channel Nine said: "The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production. Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes. "However, Nine is taking this matter seriously." In the podcast, which runs for almost an hour, Stefanovic said he admired Robinson's "tenacity" and "courage". As part of promotional photos and videos, the podcast host posed with his arm around Robinson on a London street. Robinson was denied a visa to enter Australia for a speaking tour in 2019 due to his criminal record.

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No Writer
Jun 28
High-speed boats and drones promised for elite commandos in tweak to defence spending plan

His predecessor, John Healey, stood down earlier this month in protest of the overdue defence investment plan (DIP). The extra £13.5bn of investment expected with it fell "well short" of what was needed, Mr Healey said. Mr Jarvis has spent the last two weeks "refocusing" the defence blueprint - expected to be published before July's NATO Summit - to prioritise getting kit to troops on the front line, officials said. The UK's elite commandos have been promised £500m for rapid boats and strike drones as part of changes, with a focus on Arctic region - amid anxiety about Russian activity in the region. In the 2024/25 financial year, the UK spent £60.2bn on defence. The new high-speed commando insertion craft - special vessels used to covertly transport troops from the rapid-response force - will be used for such operations as the seizing of Russian shadow fleet tankers. Earlier in June commandos were involved in taking over a Russian oil tanker in the Channel in the first operation of its kind. Mr Jarvis said: "We're investing in new lethal strike drones, high-speed boats and amphibious transport ships to give our commandos the equipment they need to stay ahead of adversaries and defend us. "The defence investment plan will prioritise getting the latest kit into the hands of our frontline forces, so they can continue their vital work in an increasingly dangerous world." The plan, originally due last year, has been delayed by government wrangling over the budget. Announcing the "shifted" focus, the Ministry of Defence said the DIP will see the UK work with NATO ally Norway in the High North. Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to publish the DIP before the NATO summit on 7 July in Turkey, despite most major policy and spending commitments being paused until his successor is confirmed. But defence chiefs will want to ensure the plan has the backing of the new PM, widely expected to be Andy Burnham, who recently became an MP again after the Makerfield by-election.

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No Writer
Jun 29
Ben Stokes: England captain reveals 'tough' decisions behind international retirement and why it is 'best thing' for him

Stokes stunned the cricketing world on Sunday by confirming he would end his 15-year England career, with a statement released during the afternoon session on day four and while the 35-year-old was bowling at Trent Bridge. The decision follows a turbulent start to the year for Stokes, who stayed on as captain despite a 4-1 Ashes thrashing in Australia but was dropped for his involvement in a nightclub incident after their first Test win over New Zealand. Ben Stokes' retirement cues chaotic finish to series deciderScorecard: England vs New Zealand, third Test, Trent BridgeGot Sky? Watch England vs NZ live on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Get instant access with NOW - no contract Stokes played for Durham during the second Test but was recalled for this week's series decider, which will be his last international appearance after 122 Tests, 114 one-day internationals and 43 T20s. "I've been through some rocky times, personally, having to feel like I'm pushing myself through and feel like I'm having to do something because it's the right thing to do," Stokes explained on Sky Sports. To be honest, it might sound quite selfish, but this decision is generally the best thing for me right now. Whether that means it's the best thing for the team going forward, I hope so. "It comes down to what I think is going to allow me to still love this game that I've played since I was a kid and has given me a career. I'm very excited about the next part of what I get to do - going back and playing for my boyhood club Durham. "There's been moments this week where it's been really tough and again that just adds to everything. It really makes it very clear in your mind that you're probably making the right decision." 'I gave myself time' - Stokes explains retirement timeline Stokes denied that the decision to retire was because of the nightclub incident, with the all-rounder having thoughts about his future after both the Ashes and ahead of the New Zealand's series opener at Lord's. "The whole Lord's Test to me was something that I guess brought back some negative feelings about where I was in my career," Stokes explained. "I'd worked so hard from getting back home [from the Ashes] to try and make things right - that's what I thought I was doing. I'd put so much time and effort into it, I maybe potentially had burnt myself out. "When I got to that week at Lord's, it was a very interesting and strange feeling to go into that game. I gave myself as much time [on retirement], I spoke to as many people as I possibly could through the process of this. "As I was putting me pads on yesterday [Saturday], getting ready to go out there, that was that sort of last nail in the coffin." Stokes was described as "one of England's greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation" following his retirement, while former England captain Michael Atherton had already expected him to be the end of his captaincy tenure. "He's been an outstanding England captain throughout that journey," Atherton told Sky Sports Cricket. "The first couple of years, it was a transformation the likes of which few of us have seen of a sporting a team. "It hasn't gone to plan in the last year. And I have to say, we were there at Lord's, and those of us who've been in that job recognised that he'd come to the end of the road. "He looked like a man who'd been captain of England for four years. A lot of us did it for about that time. It is a wearing job, one that gets on top of you and that you can't let go." No fairy-tale farewell for Stokes Stokes took a wicket with the first ball after the retirement announcement was made public, getting an edge off Zak Foulkes to Harry Brook at slip, then elected to open the batting after England were set 373 to win the series decider. He received a guard of honour as he entered the field for the final time and a standing ovation as he was dismissed after a 20-ball 30, with England closing on 103-4 and still requiring 270 runs to avoid New Zealand claiming victory. "We would have loved to have maybe only come in tonight one, two down," Stokes admitted. "The tactical reasons were just to go out there, cause a little bit of chaos, and then turn back up tomorrow and see where we are. "We've knocked a good chunk off this total. It's pretty obvious that this wicket's just getting harder and harder to score on." It remains unclear on who will succeed Stokes as England captain, with white-ball captain Harry Brook and former captain Joe Root among the potential options. "Stokesy has provided some of the greatest moments of cricket that England has ever seen," England head coach Brendan McCullum said. "For young players, he's been a legend that inspires them to pick up a bat, to play with heart and bravery, and to give absolutely everything for his team. "For me, the last four years have been an incredible journey. While his time as our skipper has come to an end, he will always be a great friend. May the next chapter for Ben Stokes, be as great as the last." England vs New Zealand - results and schedule All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports First Test (Lord's) - England won by 115 runsSecond Test (The Kia Oval) - New Zealand won by 253 runsThird Test (Trent Bridge) - June 25-29 (11am) Watch day five of the third Test between England and New Zealand, live on Sky Sports Cricket on Monday from 10.15am (first ball 11am). Stream cricket and more with NOW - no contract.

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