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In the latest development about Ben Stokes' future in ODI cricket, it has been learned that England’s star all-rounder will call it a day in the 50-over format after he plays the first match against South Africa. The 31-year-old announced his ODI retirement through a social media post on Monday. Notably, Ben Stokes made his ODI debut for England in 2011 and has represented the three lions in more than 100 ODIs so far.
Stokes penned an emotional note while announcing his retirement from ODIs. The all-rounder cited workload as the reason to draw curtains on what has been a prolific 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," wrote Stokes in his note.
"As hard as a decision as this was to come to, it's not as hard dealing with the fact 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 have over the past 11 years."
Stokes promised to give his hundred per cent to Test cricket and also promised full commitment in T20Is. The 31-year-old then wished best to England's new white-ball captain Jos Buttler and said England's white-ball future looks bright. "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," wrote Stokes.
Ben Stokes has played 104 ODIs for England so far. The all-rounder has scored 2919 runs @39.44 and has taken 74 wickets. Stokes was also a part of England's first-ever World Cup-winning squad in 2019. In fact, he was the last man to stand for England in a tricky chase of 242.