England’s World Cup hero Ben Stokes has introduced his shock retirement from one-day cricket, departing with a phrase of warning concerning the “unsustainable” schedule.
Stokes’ bloody-minded brilliance was the inspiration behind England’s historic victory within the 2019 World Cup remaining, defying the chances to attain 84 not out in a tied match in opposition to New Zealand after which coming again out to settle issues by way of a brilliant over.
However in three years since that triumphant second, the nation’s star all-rounder has performed simply 9 extra occasions within the 50-over format, on account of accidents, a psychological well being break and workload administration.
The 31-year-old will prove as soon as extra for a farewell look, at his dwelling floor of Chester-le-Avenue in opposition to South Africa on Tuesday, earlier than specializing in his Take a look at captaincy and Twenty20 profession.
And whereas that can be an opportunity to have fun his achievements over the course of 11 years, he made it clear in a rigorously worded assertion – issued personally on his social media accounts then shared by his employers on the ECB – that England’s exhausting fixture record has been a consider forcing his hand.
A born competitor, he has concluded that the calls for at present being positioned on the nation’s all-format gamers have gotten inconceivable to handle.
“This has been an extremely robust choice to make. I’ve liked each minute of enjoying with my mates for England. We have now had an unbelievable journey on the best way,” he mentioned.
“As laborious as a choice as this was to return to, it’s not as laborious coping with the actual fact I can’t give my team-mates 100% of myself on this format any extra. The England shirt deserves nothing much less from anybody who wears it.
“Three codecs are simply unsustainable for me now. Not solely do I really feel that my physique is letting me down due to the schedule and what’s anticipated of us, however I additionally really feel that I’m taking the place of one other participant who can provide Jos (Buttler, captain) and the remainder of the crew their all. It’s time for another person to progress as a cricketer and make unbelievable recollections like I’ve over the previous 11 years.
“I’ll give every part I’ve to Take a look at cricket, and now, with this choice, I really feel I may give my complete dedication to the T20 format.”
