Last Updated: 07/18/22 12:50 PM England’s Ben Stokes to retire from ODI cricket after Tuesday’s match against South Africa
Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from one-day international cricket. Stokes, England’s Test captain and valid all-rounder, will continue to play T20Is but says Tuesday’s opening series against South Africa will be his last in the 50-over format for his country. The 31-year-old has a batting average of 39.44 in 104 ODIs, has taken 74 wickets and was man of the match in England’s incredible World Cup win in 2019. Stokes’ final ODI for England takes place in his hometown of Durham, with the South Africa series live on Sky Sports. Tuesday’s coverage starts at 12.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event, with first ball at 1pm. “I will play my last match for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday in Durham,” Stokes, who also captained the ODI side, said in a statement on Monday. “I’ve decided to retire from this format. It’s been an incredibly difficult decision. I’ve loved every minute of playing with my England team-mates. We’ve had an incredible journey on the road. “As difficult a decision as it was, it’s not so difficult to face the fact that I can’t give my teammates 100% of myself anymore in this format. The England shirt deserves nothing less than whoever wears it. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Watch the pick of the action as England beat New Zealand in an incredible final at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Watch the pick of the action as England beat New Zealand in an incredible final at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. “Three formats is just not sustainable for me now. Not only do I feel like my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what’s expected of us, but I also feel like I’m taking the place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team all of them. “It’s about time someone else stepped up as a cricketer and created incredible memories like I have over the last 11 years. “I will give my all to try cricket and now with this decision I feel I can also give my full commitment to the T20 format. Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you cannot view these Privacy Options
“I would like to wish Jos Buttler, Matthew Mott, the players and support staff every success for the future. We have made great strides in white ball cricket over the last seven years and the future looks bright. “I’ve enjoyed all 104 games I’ve played so far, I’ve got one more to go, and it feels amazing to be playing my last game at home in Durham. “As always, the England fans have always been there for me and will continue to be there. You are the best fans in the world. Hopefully we can win on Tuesday and set up the series nicely against South Africa.” Stokes’ decision follows his recent appointment as England Test captain to succeed Joe Root. Ben Stokes celebrates in the dressing room after winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 final against New Zealand
In a statement, the ECB said Stokes’ ODI career will be “forever 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. “I know this must have been a difficult decision, but I completely understand why he came to this conclusion,” added Rob Key, Chief Executive of England Men’s Cricket. “I’m sure when we look back on Ben’s career and see that as one of the reasons he will play 120+ Tests and help England in T20s and World Cups for many years to come. “It’s a typically selfless decision that will benefit England in the long run.” More to come. This is breaking news that is being updated and more details will be released soon. Please refresh this page for the latest updates. Sky Sports brings you live updates as they happen. Get breaking sports news, analysis, exclusive interviews, replays and highlights. Sky Sports is your trusted source for headline sports news and live updates. Watch live coverage of your favorite sports: Football, F1, Boxing, Cricket, Golf, Tennis, Rugby League, Rugby Union, NFL, Darts, Netball and get the latest transfer news, results, scores and more. Visit skysports.com or the Sky Sports app for all the sports headlines. You can receive push notifications from the Sky Sports app for the latest news from your favorite sports and you can also follow @SkySportsNews on Twitter for the latest updates.