India, June 29 -- Ben Stokes's sudden decision to call time on his international career has left former England captain Michael Atherton questioning not just the retirement itself, but the timing of the announcement.

Stokes stunned English cricket by confirming that the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge would be his final international appearance. The announcement came shortly before tea on the fourth day, with the match still alive, the series locked at 1-1, and England facing a difficult fourth-innings chase of 373.

The all-rounder had informed his teammates before Sunday's play but offered no immediate public explanation, saying the "reasons can wait". But the timing of the call, coming in the middle of a live Te...