Picture Credit: Twitter
England's Test skipper and one of the most celebrated all-rounders in modern-day cricket Ben Stokes announced retirement from the 50-over format of the game on Monday via a social media post. Stokes informed about his decision and further stated that he will make his final appearance in the first ODI against South Africa at Durham on Tuesday (July 19).
Notably, Stokes made an invaluable contribution to England's maiden 50-over World Cup triumph and was the Player of the Match in the final against New Zealand. The left-handed batter confessed that it's hard for him to deal with the fact that he is not able to give 100 per cent in the format and the England team deserves someone who is capable.
"As hard as a decision as this was to come to, its not as hard dealing with the fact that I cant give my teammates 100 per cent of myself in this format anymore. The England short deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it," he wrote in a note posted on his official Twitter handle.
The New Zealand-born English cricketer further claimed that three formats are 'just unsustainable' for him and his body is letting him down because of the tight schedule.
"Not only do I feel that my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what is expect of us, but I also feel that I am taking place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team their all. Its time for someone else to progress as a cricketer and make incredible memories as I have over past 11 years," he further wrote.
Stokes confirmed that he will keep on playing Test cricket and the T20 format.
"I would like to wish Jos Buttler in white-ball cricket over the past seven years and the future looks bright," he concluded.
Stokes' decision has undoubtedly come as a huge blow for the defending champions as they are looking to finalise their squad for their title defense in the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will be played in India. Soon after Stokes' decision to announce ODI retirement, there have been all sorts of comments pouring in on social media.
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