Ben Stokes, 31 has decided to take retirement from the ODI format. This all-rounder will play his last game in the format on Tuesday against South Africa. The exact reason for retirement at such a comparatively young age is unknown but Ben has ended his career on a high note and is in his prime. This incident throws light on the hectic schedule of 3-format players. Stokes gave this message to the cricket community via a Twitter post.
Ben Stokes Retirement Post:
In his official post, Stokes said the following things.
“I will play my last game for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday in Durham. I have decided to retire from this format. This has been an incredibly tough decision to make. I have loved every minute of playing with my mates for England.” Hence confirming, his retirement decision.
He further adds, “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 I am taking the place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team their 100%.” This statement of his truly justifies the amount of pressure, stress, and hard work a 3-format player has to put in. We often disregard the fact that over the years, cricket games have become more frequent and this can take a toll on the players as well.
Lastly, he spoke about his clear intentions to focus on the remaining formats and to give them his 100%. “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.”
Ben Stokes Stats in ODI Cricket:
Batting:
| Stats | Value |
| Matches | 104 |
| Innings | 89 |
| Runs | 2919 |
| Average | 39.45 |
| Strike Rate | 95.27 |
| 50s/100s | 21/3 |
| Best | 102 |
Bowling:
| Stats | Value |
| Matches | 104 |
| Innings | 87 |
| Wickets | 74 |
| Average | 41.8 |
| Strike Rate | 41.62 |
| Best | 5/61 |
Stokes the Personality:
Sir Benjamin Stokes has always been in the limelight. It is not due to his off-field antiques, but because he is a very strong personality. Stokes was one of the few initial players who spoke about mental health in the gentlemen’s game. Credit goes to him for addressing such a taboo subject in the public. He is an inspiration in the true sense.
It is said that the 2016 T20I final affected his mental health. He was depressed. As an outsider, we cannot judge him but to make a comeback and dominate the game, as he has done can only be done by a true champion. His catch on Andile Phelukwayo in the 2019 ODI World Cup is a catch that is one of the greatest of all time. A gun fielder, an amazing bowler, and a dominant batter, Ben Stokes is a champion in the true sense.
To know more go to Ross Taylor: An Underrated Legend of the Game. One of the Greatest Batters from New Zealand. 2022
Read more such articles at Gundappa Viswanath: A True Master of his Craft. A Highly Regarded Batter.
To know more go to Rishabh Pant: From Roorkee to Gabba, One of the Greatest Entertainers in 2022.
Read more at the official website of the ECB.