Live Cricket News: The announcement of Ben Stokes’ retirement from one-day international cricket has been made.
Stokes, England’s Test captain and commanding all-rounder, believes the 50-over match against South Africa on Tuesday will be his last for his nation. He will still participate in T20I matches.
The 31-year-old was Player of the Match in England’s stunning World Cup victory in 2019 and has a 39.44 batting average in 104 One-Day Internationals. He has also taken 74 wickets.
At his home stadium in Durham, Stokes will play his final One Day International for England.
“I will play my last game for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday in Durham,” said Stokes, who has also captained the ODI side, in a statement on Monday.
“I’ve made the decision to stop using this format. Making this choice has been exceedingly difficult. I have enjoyed every second of playing for England with my friends. We have travelled a remarkable distance.
“As difficult a decision as this was to make, living with the knowledge that I can’t offer my team members 100% of myself in this manner anymore is not as difficult. Nobody should wear the England jersey any less honourably.
“Three formats are simply no longer viable for me. Because of the schedule and the demands placed upon us, I feel as though not only is my body failing me, but I am also depriving Jos and the rest of the squad of a player who can give their best.
“Someone else needs to develop as a cricketer and create unforgettable moments as I have over the previous 11 years.
“I will give everything I have to Test cricket, and now, with this decision, I feel I can also give my total commitment to the T20 format.
“I would like to wish Jos Buttler, Matthew Mott, the players and the support staff every success going forward. We have made great strides in white-ball cricket over the past seven years, and the future looks bright.
“I have loved all 104 games I have played so far, I’ve got one more, and it feels amazing to be playing my last game at my home ground in Durham.
“As always, the England fans have always been there for me and will continue to be there. You’re the best fans in the world. I hope we can win on Tuesday and set the series up nicely against South Africa.”
Following his recent selection as Joe Root’s replacement as England’s Test captain, Stokes made his choice.
The ECB said in a statement that Stokes’ ODI career would “long be remembered” for his contribution to England’s Super Over victory in the World Cup final at Lord’s, where he struck an undefeated 84.
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