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Cricket News: Why has Ben Stokes chosen to retire from ODI cricket? | Ben Stokes retires from ODI cricket
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Ben Stokes, England’s hero in their 2019 World Cup triumph, has announced that he will retire from ODI cricket after the first match against South Africa at Chester-le-Street on 19 July.
Stokes, who is now England’s Test captain, made the decision with his career in mind. He said that playing all three formats is unsustainable, and has chosen to dedicate his focus to the Test and T20 formats. It will be a fitting end for Stokes in ODIs, as he will play his final game at his home ground in Durham.
Ben Stokes retires from ODI cricket: I can’t give my team-mates 100% of myself in this format anymore
In a statement, Stokes said that he wants to give “everything I have to Test cricket” and “my total commitment to the T20 format”.
The all-rounder also said that it was a very tough decision to make, but ultimately he can’t give his 100% in the ODI format.
“I can’t give my team-mates 100% of myself in this format anymore,” he said. “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.
“As hard as a decision as this was to come to, it’s not as hard dealing with the fact I can’t give my teammates 100% of myself in this format anymore. The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it.”
Stokes also went on to say that it is time for another player to be granted the wonderful opportunities he has had. The 31-year old no longer wants to take the place of another player who can give England their all in ODIs.
“Three formats are just unsustainable for me now,” Stokes said. “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 I have over the past 11 years.”
Stokes retires from ODIs with nearly 3,000 runs and 74 wickets
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, T20 World Cups, T20 Leagues and Test cricket has meant that England haven’t played as much ODI cricket over the past couple of years. As a result, Stokes wasn’t able to build on his remarkable performances in the format in 2019, although he did hit a memorable 99 against India in Pune last year.
The all-rounder was a pivotal member of England’s rise in white-ball cricket since their harrowing exit at the 2015 World Cup. Four years later, Stokes produced a display in the World Cup Final at Lord’s that will be etched in the memories of millions around the world.
“I will give everything I have to Test cricket, and now, with this decision, I feel I can also give my total commitment to the T20 format.
“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,” Stokes said.
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