England’s 50-over World Cup hero Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from the format, citing the toll playing all three forms of the game has taken on his body.
Stokes cemented his name in England cricket folklore with his unbelievable unbeaten 84 in the final against New Zealand which helped England claim the 2019 World Cup. He was named the player of the match for his efforts.
He has since been named the captain of the Test side and remains a key part of the T20 set-up but will no longer play the 50-over format, despite the next World Cup being just 12 months away.
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The 31-year-old all-rounder took to Instagram to confirm this week’s one-day clash with South Africa would be his final match in the format for England.
“This has been an incredibly tough decision to make,” he wrote in a lengthy statement.
“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 this was to come to, it’s not as hard as dealing with the fact that I can’t give my teammates 100 per cent 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 (England’s ODI captain) Jos (Buttler) 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.”
Stokes retires having represented England 104 times in the 50 over format. He finishes having scored 2919 runs and three centuries at an average of 39.44 on top of 74 wickets with the ball.
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