Can’t give my 100 per cent anymore: Ben Stokes to retire from one-day internationals


Ben Stokes has said he will retire from one-day internationals after England’s first match against South Africa on Tuesday. Stokes said three formats of the game are not sustainable for him anymore.

Ben Stokes of England announces ODI retirement. Courtesy: AP

Ben Stokes of England announces ODI retirement. Courtesy: AP

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ben Stokes will retire from ODIs after England’s match vs South Africa on Tuesday
  • Ben Stokes was recently named England Test captain
  • Stokes has so far played 104 ODIs for England

Ben Stokes announced his decision to retire from one-day internationals after the first match against South Africa on Tuesday.

Ben Stokes was recently named England Test captain and oversaw a series-levelling win over India in the rescheduled fifth Test match.

Ben Stokes was one of the heroes for England in their World Cup triumph in 2019 and played a starring role in the final against New Zealand at Lord’s three years ago.

However, Stokes took some time off last year to recover from mental fatigue. One of England’s biggest match-winners, Ben Stokes, will now focus on Test cricket and T20Is.

Ben Stokes, who has played 104 ODIs for England, was far from his best in the three-match series against India. He scored 48 runs in 3 matches and did not pick any wickets.

In a statement released on social media, Stokes said it was time for somebody else to shape their career.

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.

“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.

— ENDS —



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