Stokes calls last 3 months 'hardest period' of captaincy, vows to rebuild England

• England Test captain Ben Stokes described the past three months, including a difficult Ashes campaign, as the “hardest period” of his leadership.
• Stokes, McCullum, and Key will continue in their roles despite England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat.
• He shared an emotional open letter on social media, stating that being England captain is the greatest honor but also completely consumes him.
• Stokes acknowledged mistakes were made and lessons learned, asserting commitment to rebuilding the side with coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key.
• He expressed his love for cricket, the team, and being captain, vowing to repay supporters' faith and promising more to give in his role.