'11 years and countless memories' - Twitter reacts as Ben Stokes announces retirement from ODI cricket

Veteran England all-rounder Ben Stokes announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday, July 18. He would be making his final appearance in the 50-overs format in the first ODI against South Africa at Durham on Tuesday, July 19. He was the pioneer of England’s first and only ODI World Cup triumph in 2019, as he scored 84 in the final against New Zealand.

Commenting on his decision to retire from the 50-overs format with immediate effect, Stokes said that he is unable to give his 100% in the format and is no longer in a position to represent the Three Lions in all three formats as he feels it is ‘unsustainable’ for him now. However, the southpaw has confirmed that he would be available for selection in the Test and T20Is. Stokes represented England in 104 ODIs, scoring 2919 runs and picking up 74 wickets.

This has been an incredibly tough decision to make: Ben Stokes

“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. We have had an incredible journey on the way,” Stokes wrote in a note posted on his official Twitter handle.

“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.”

“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 and the rest of the team their all. It’s time for someone else to progress as a cricketer and make incredible memories, as 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. 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,” he added.

This is indeed a huge blow for England as they look to work on finalising their squad for their title defence in the 2023 ODI World Cup that will be played in India in October-November. Stokes was not at his best during the just-concluded home series against India. In the three matches, the middle-order sensation could only manage scores of 21 and 27, including a golden duck in the first game.

Meanwhile, here’s how Twitter reacted to Ben Stokes’ shocking announcement: