Have you ever watched a TV drama where the main character is seemingly killed off, but there is an unshakable feeling that they are destined to return?
That’s exactly what it felt like watching Ben Stokes’ shock international retirement play out on Monday afternoon.
Right from the announcement released by the ECB at 15:25 BST all the way up to stumps on day four of the third Test between England and New Zealand, it was a complete and utter soap opera.
The meticulously coordinated plan hatched to time Stokes’ retirement post with one of his trademark gladiatorial spells of bowling could be viewed as completely selfish; relegating a crucial Test match to a mere subplot.
As was the decision for Stokes to open the batting. Strictly a “tactical decision” were the words parroted by Brendon McCullum and his skipper after the game.
I wonder if Emilio Gay appreciated those tactics after being unceremoniously shoved down to number six on just his third Test appearance?
Stokes was dismissed for a quickfire 30, applauded off the pitch to his sixth standing ovation of the day.
The way England played in the beginning of that fourth innings was completely reckless, summed up perfectly when captain-elect Harry Brook flicked one down to fine leg after making 21 off just nine balls.
A knock that former England captain Michael Vaughan described as "the most pathetic innings you'll ever see".
One could argue that they completely threw away a Test series, all in the name of one final Stokes blaze of glory.
However, there is an alternate view…
Maybe, just maybe, this was all a calculated plan from Stokes to burn down the very thing he was instrumental in creating.
Could such an obviously brainless attempt to salvage a Test match be one final fatal blow right into the very heart of ‘Bazball’?
Potentially so.
But Stokes didn’t have to do that. The ship is already sinking and seven defeats in their last nine Tests puts the Rob Key and McCullum axis firmly on the brink.
Stokes has the support of the public. He defied McCullum’s instructions in Australia and the majority of English fans lauded him for it. He would have been the last person to get the chop out of the trio.
There is no getting away from the fact that Stokes has made mistakes throughout his career – after all, it’s part of why he is adored so much – but it is also plainly obvious that he is a brilliant captain; just tied to a disastrous method of playing the game.
If the ECB can afford to, I’m certain they will cut ties with both McCullum and Key.
Then, with a new coach at the helm, will they really be able to resist picking up the phone and putting in a call to Stokes ahead of the 2027 Ashes series?
A Stokes who, going off the evidence of his County Championship performance when banned for the second Test against New Zealand, is sure to play an important role for Durham over the next 12 months.
Maybe I’m in denial that we’ve seen a true English great pull on the shirt for the last time; maybe he was telling the truth when he said that he’d “lost the fight” to represent his country; maybe Monday truly was the end of the road.
But I think there is still a chance that Stokes will return from this.
And what greater stage than a home Ashes series against the old enemy?
