England all-rounder, Ben Stokes has decided to retire from the 50-over format. He will retire from ODI cricket following their first ODI against South Africa on the 19th of July.
The 31-year-old has played 104 games and scored 2919 runs with the bat and picked up 74 wickets with the ball in the ODIs. He is all set to play his final ODI game at his home ground.
He will be remembered forever for his stunning performance in the finals of the 2019 World Cup at Lord’s. Stokes, who won the man of the match award, helped his team to win their first trophy.
Stokes said, “I will play my last game for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday in Durham. I have decided to retire from this format. This has been an incredibly tough decision to make. I have loved every minute of playing with my mates for England. We have had an incredible journey on the way.
“As hard as a decision as this was to come to, it’s not as hard dealing with the fact I can’t give my teammates 100% of myself in this format anymore. The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it.”
The left-handed batsman has scored 21 fifties and 3 centuries in this format. He also has a four-wicket haul and a five-wicket haul to his name. Though he is just 31, he thinks he cannot give his full potential in this particular format.
“Three formats are just unsustainable for me now. Not only do I feel that my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what is expected of us, but I also feel that I am taking the place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team their all.”
“It’s time for someone else to progress as a cricketer and make incredible memories like I have over the past 11 years.”
The England team will be taking on South Africa for the 3-match ODI series from 19th July. The star all-rounder will be looking to sign off with a brilliant all-rounder performance.