Ben Stokes bids adieu to ODI cricket

In a shocking turn of events, the premier English all-rounder Ben Stokes has announced that he will retire from ODI cricket after England’s opening encounter against South Africa in the three-match series tomorrow (Tuesday).

While commenting on his impending retirement, Stokes told England and Wales Cricket Board (ecb.co.uk): 

"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's journey so far

After making his ODI debut against Ireland in 2011, Stokes gradually established himself as a vital cog of the English ODI team. 

With 2919 runs at a healthy average of 39.45 and a brilliant strike rate of 95.27, Stokes currently occupies the 19th spot in the list of highest run-getters for England in 50-overs cricket. 

He also proved his mettle with the ball by picking 74 wickets from 87 innings, including a splendid fifer against Australia in Southampton in 2013. 

Although Stokes' ODI career was short, it can be termed impactful considering the talismanic allrounder's exploits in England's victorious 2019 world cup campaign. Stokes amassed 465 runs in the tournament, including a match-winning 84* in the all-important final. He also picked seven wickets in the showpiece event, proving himself a trump card for Eoin Morgan. 

Read: Jos Buttler says England need to improve after ODI series defeat to India