ENG vs SA | Stokes' retirement is a wake-up call for England: Jos Buttler

In a shocking turn of events, on Monday (July 18), England's premier all-rounder Ben Stokes announced that the first match against South Africa would be his last ODI for England. 

Subsequently, Stokes bid adieu to the 50-overs format after the Proteas handed the Englishmen a crushing 62-run defeat in Chester-le-Street last night. 

In the post-match press conference, England captain Jos Buttler said that the untimely retirement of a star player like Stokes is a wake-up call for England. 

He also stressed that something apart from England's hectic schedule has prompted Stokes to quit ODI cricket. 

"I think it should definitely be a wake-up call. And especially, the magnitude of the player, he's one of the most recognised players in the world, he's someone that everyone wants to see play in every format of the game. I think there's more to it than just simple schedule thing," Buttler said. 

Elaborating on it, Buttler reckoned that Stokes gives utmost preference to Tests, wants to keep himself fit for the red-ball format, and that's probably what made him step down from ODIs. 

The swashbuckling keeper-batter also said that Stokes can entirely focus on the Tests now, helping England reach new heights in the purest format.  

"Our loss in ODI cricket is going to be England's gain in Test cricket. That's Ben's favourite format, especially now as he is the captain," Buttler said.

"I'm sure this decision will give him much more longevity in the purest format of the game, which is obviously a big positive for English cricket," he added.

Buttler opined that England is going through a transition in ODIs, a natural cycle in every international team. 

The Taunton-born also said that the absence of Morgan and Stokes would provide youngsters the opportunity to cement their places in the English ODI side going forward. 

"We're probably moving through a bit of transition now with Eoin going and Ben going as well. That's the natural cycle of team transition. We just have to give guys the opportunity to replace these guys," the 31-year-old concluded. 

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