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Ben Stokes explains ODI retirement: 3 formats just unsustainable for me now

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 7/19/2022 11:17:12 AM

New Delhi, July 18 England's Test captain and celebrated allrounder opened up about his decision to retire from ODI cricket, saying he did not want to take up the place of another cricket, knowing he won't be able to give his 100 percent in the 50-over format of the game. In an unforeseen decision that has helped raise a few eyebrows, Ben Stokes on Monday said he would be retiring from ODIs after the first of a 3-match ODI series between England and South Africa in Durham on July 19. Stokes will bring the curtains down on his 11-yearlong ODI career after playing his 105th match for the Three Lions. Stokes conceded that it was a hard call to make but knowing the demands of playing international cricket across all 3 formats, the all-rounder said his body is not geared up for the rigorous amid a busy schedule. Notably, England are one of the busiest cricket-playing nations. Jos Buttler's men completed a 3-match ODi series against India on Sunday and head to take on South Africa in 3 ODIs from Tuesday. Only recently, Ben Stokes was named as the captain of England men's Test cricket team. The allrounder led the team to a 3-0 sweep against New Zealand at home before leading England to a series-levelling win over India in Birmingham in July. "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 said in a statement on social media. "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.