Ben Stokes announced he will retire from international cricket on Day 1 after England take on South Africa in Durham on Tuesday.
The test captain will continue to play in the longest format of the game and the international T20, but will not participate in the over-50 competition.
The 31-year-old played 104 ODIs in England, recording 2,919 runs, including the 3rd century, and won 74 wickets in this format.
He is a key figure in England’s prestigious 2019 World Cup championship and will be very well received in his final ODI on home soil this week.
In a statement on social media, Stokes wrote: Every minute of playing for the England team. We did an amazing trip on the way.
“It’s hard to make that decision, but it’s not too hard to deal with the fact that we’re not going to give our team-mates 100% in this format. The England shirt is nothing more than the person wearing it. Hmm.
“Currently, all three formats are not sustainable for me. Not only do the schedules and expectations hurt, but also for another player who can dedicate everything to Joe and other members of the team. It feels like I’m taking control. It’s time than someone else to grow as a cricketer and make great memories like in the last 11 years.
“I will do my best to give cricket a try, and now I feel this decision can give me a full commitment to the T20 format.
We wish the best of luck to Jos Buttler, Matthew Mott, the players and our support staff. We have made great strides in white ball cricket over the last seven years and the future is bright.
I’ve enjoyed all 104 games I’ve played so far, so I have one more to go. It feels great playing Durham’s last home game.
As always, the English fans are always there for me and will always be there. You are the best fan in the world. I hope I can win on Tuesday and form a great series with South Africa.
“Thank you
“
ODI in Durham on Tuesday is the first of three 50+ matches against South Africa and will take place later at Old Trafford and Headingley.
After that, Stokes will return to the T20 series at Bristol from July 27.
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Source: Metro
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