Inside Ben Stokes' bombshell retirement: The dressing-room confidants he told first, why Brendon McCullum was not surprised... and how the battle with England chiefs unfolded behind the scenes

Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket in a bombshell decision that reportedly surprised few close to him, including England coach Brendon McCullum. According to the Daily Mail's Lawrence Booth, Stokes first confided in a select group of dressing-room teammates before the news became public. The report also details behind-the-scenes tensions between Stokes and England cricket chiefs that contributed to his decision to step away.