Stokes was in the middle of bowling during the third Test when the news was announced and even took a wicket with his first delivery following confirmation of his retirement.
"One of England's all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match," England's official social media accounts posted.
"Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for.
"We love you so much and wish you all the best in your retirement
"England will never be the same again."
The news, and particularly its timing, comes as a huge shock after he was reinstated to the England team following an absence in the second Test against New Zealand.
Stokes was left out of the side after being involved in a nightclub incident when celebrating their win in the first Test. A video on social media shows him informing his teammates of his decision ahead of the fourth day of the final Test.
"The reasons can wait, why, but I've had many trips to the well before for this team, for you blokes, for people beforehand, and I've got one more trip to do," he said.
"The only thing that I ask, please, is can everyone do the same.
"We've got a lot of hard work to do, and the only thing I want is to be able to walk off that field, regardless of the result, knowing that I've had this group give everything for the last two days.
"That's the only thing I want, for everyone to give it not only for me, selfishly, but also for this team.
"I've got the emotional side out of it. Now it's time to go to work. Please, everyone else, come with me."
Stokes steps down from England duty having established himself as one of the nation's greatest ever cricketers, having featured in 122 Tests, 114 one-day internationals and 43 T20Is.
Perhaps the highest point of his career with the national team came in 2019, when he played a crucial role in England winning the World Cup for the first time.
Weeks later, his sensational 135 not out at Headingley dragged England from the brink of defeat to victory in the third Ashes Test in one of the team's greatest wins.
