'Can't give 100 per cent': Stokes retires from ODIs

18 Jul 2022 Jack Paynter

England talisman will play his last ODI against South Africa at his home ground in Durham on Tuesday with the red-ball skipper to give his 'total commitment' to the Test and T20 formats

England Test captain Ben Stokes has announced his shock retirement from one-day international cricket, revealing he can no longer give his teammates "100 per cent" in the format.

Stokes will play his 105th and final ODI against South Africa at his home ground in Durham on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old's 50-over career will forever be remembered for his player-of-the-match performance in the 2019 ODI World Cup final at Lord's where his unbeaten 84 helped send the match into a Super Over where England secured their maiden triumph.

"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 per cent of myself in this format anymore," Stokes said in a statement.

"The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it.

Image Id: FB5626BC58DD4895AEC6EE74E203652A Image Caption: Stokes' finest ODI performance was in the 2019 World Cup final at Lord's // Getty

"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 Jos (Buttler) and the rest of the team their all.

"I have loved every minute of playing with my mates for England. We have had an incredible journey on the way.

"It's time for someone else to progress as a cricketer and make incredible memories like I have over the past 11 years.

"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."

Image Id: 3CEDF85961A5460CAAE273A815CB2D18 Image Caption: Stokes said he can no longer give his teammates 100 per cent of himself in the 50-over format // Getty

Stokes' retirement comes 14 months out from the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, which gives their new captain and coach pairing of Buttler and Matthew Mott the chance to settle on his replacement as they look to defend their title.

"I would like to wish Jos Buttler, Matthew Mott, the players and the support staff every success going forward," he said.

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"We have made great strides in white-ball cricket over the past seven years and the future looks bright."

Stokes has scored 2,919 runs at 39.44, including three centuries, and claimed 74 wickets in his 104 one-day internationals after making his debut against Ireland in August 2011.