England 2019 World Cup hero Ben Stokes is retiring from ODI cricket to focus on the Test captaincy as he says playing in all three formats is “simply not sustainable”… Tuesday’s game against South Africa in Durham will be his last
England’s 2019 World Cup hero Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international one-day cricket.
His final 50-over match in England colors will be against him South Africa in Durham on Tuesday and the decision allows Stokes to focus on his role as England Test captain.
The 31-year-old all-rounder has represented his country 101 times in ODI cricket, the highlight being a staggering 84 unbeaten matches that helped England beat New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s.
Ben Stokes, whose exploits helped England win the 50-over World Cup in 2019, has announced his retirement from one-day cricket
Stokes will play his final ODI for England against South Africa in Durham on Tuesday
A statement released by Stokes said: “I will be playing my last game for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday at Durham. I have decided to retire from this format.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision. I loved every minute playing for England with my buddies. We have had an incredible journey along the way.
“As hard as that decision was to make, it’s not that hard to deal with the fact that I can’t give 100% of myself to my teammates in this format anymore. The England shirt deserves no less from anyone who wears it.
“Three formats are simply no longer acceptable to me. Not only do I feel like my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what is expected of us, but I also feel like I’m taking the place of another player who can give everything to Jos and the rest of the team.
“It’s time for someone else to move forward as a cricketer and make incredible memories like the ones I’ve had over the past 11 years.
Stokes scored an incredible 84 without saving England in the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand – before batting in the super over that decided the game
“I will give everything I have to test cricket and now with that decision I feel like I can devote myself fully to the T20 format as well.
“I wish Jos Buttler, Matthew Mott, the players and the support team every success for the future. We’ve made great strides in white ball cricket over the last seven years and the future looks bright.
“I’ve loved all 104 games I’ve played so far, I have one more and it feels great to play my last game at my home ground in Durham.
“As always, the English fans have always been there for me and will continue to be. You are the best fans in the world. I hope we can win on Tuesday and get the series going well against South Africa.’
Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “Ben Stokes has had an incredible international career in ODI cricket, culminating in his winning performance in the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final.
“I know this must have been a difficult decision, but I fully understand why he came to this conclusion.
“I am sure if we look back on Ben’s career and see this as one of the reasons he will play more than 120 Tests and help England in T20 matches and World Cups for years to come.
“It’s a typically selfless decision that will benefit England in the long run.”
Stokes made his ODI debut against Ireland in Dublin in August 2011, made just three runs and was a permanent part of the team from 2013.
Whilst starting his tenure as England Test captain was a success with a 3-0 win over New Zealand and a win over India, he struggled to find his form in the recent ODI series against India, which England lost 2-1.
Stokes scored 0, 21 and 27 in the three games with the bat and failed to take a wicket with the ball.
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