English all-rounder and Test captain Ben Stokes, has announced his retirement from one-day international events. His announcement came as England prepares to play South Africa in a three-match ODI series, and Tuesday’s game, the opener, would be his last ODI match. Just last week, England lost 2-1 to India, which makes this week’s series a very defining one for the team.

According to the retirement post he made on social media, Stokes mentioned that he would not be able to give his teammates 100% of himself, also saying that his body was letting him down and he could no longer keep up with the format of events.

He said: “I will play my last game for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday in Durham,” said Stokes, who has also captained the ODI side, in a statement on Monday.

“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.

“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 percent 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.”

He also said that he was sure he could give total commitment to Test cricket, where he leads the squad. His retirement announcement came just weeks after former ODI captain, Eoin Morgan, retired as well, passing the mantle to Jos Buttler.

Written by: Leon Osamor