Xtra Time Web Desk: England’s test captain Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from One Day International cricket. He will be playing his last ODI in Tuesday’s first ODI of the series against South Africa in his home-town Durham. The 31-year-old has a 39.44 batting average in 104 ODIs, has taken 74 wickets and was Player of the Match in England’s incredible World Cup win in 2019.
Stokes’ last ODI for England takes place at his home country ground in Durham, with the South Africa series all live on Sky Sports.
Stokes announced his retirement in a long post on his social media handle Twitter.
“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 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 team-mates 100 per cent of myself in this format anymore. The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it.
“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.
“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.”
Stokes’ decision follows his recent appointment as England’s Test captain as Joe Root’s successor.
In a statement, the ECB said Stokes’ ODI career would “forever be remembered” for his role in the World Cup final at Lord’s, where he scored an unbeaten 84 to help England win via a Super Over.