“Countless ODI memories”: Ben Stokes’ sudden ODI retirement breaks internet

Ben Stokes surprised the world on Monday by announcing his sudden retirement from ODI cricket. The southpaw took to social media to inform that England’s upcoming ODI against South Africa on Tuesday, which will be played in Durham, will be his last match in the format. Although England will play a three-match ODI series against South Africa, Stokes will not be available for the next two matches. Notably, England will also play a three-match T20I series and a multiple-match Test series against the team.

“I will play my last match for England in one-day cricket on Tuesday in Durham. I have decided to retire from this format. It is an incredibly difficult decision. I have spent every minute playing for England with my teammates. Liked it. We’ve had an incredible journey along the way,” read a part of Stokes’ statement.

“The decision was as difficult as it is, not as hard as dealing with the fact I can’t give my 100% to my teammates in this format anymore. Nothing less than someone wearing an England shirt,” he added.

Stokes revealed that he came to this decision as his body is finding it difficult to cope with all three formats.

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“Three formats are untenable for me right now. Not only do I feel like my body is expecting me because of the schedule and what is expected of us, but I also feel that I am replacing another player who can give Jose And the rest of the team their everything,” he said.

Here’s the world’s reaction to Stokes’ announcement:

From joining the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in 2010 to becoming the ICC Men’s @cricketworldcup Champion in 2019

What a special ODI player, and what a career!

Thank You, @benstox38, pic.twitter.com/uIFjafwEAe

— ICC (@ICC) 18 July 2022

11 years and countless ODI memories

Thank You, @benstox38 pic.twitter.com/TroqvkZwsw

— england cricket (@englandcricket) 18 July 2022

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World Cup hero Ben Stokes announces retirement from ODI cricket! He will play his last match against tomorrow. #beanstalks #saddapunjab #punjabkings pic.twitter.com/NpBtgCSENk

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) 18 July 2022

Ben Stokes. ODI. It has been an honour. pic.twitter.com/PxAekj9vE5

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) 18 July 2022

Hearty congratulations to one of the best all-rounders on his retirement from ODIs. We will not forget to watch you play and will always remember your contribution towards the game.
Looking forward to seeing you play one day’s match for one last time @benstox38 #beanstalks #retirement #RPSwing pic.twitter.com/wKr8ks9isT

— RP Singh (@rpsingh) 18 July 2022

Early ODI retirement from one of the most entertaining players in front of you in the modern era! #beanstalks pic.twitter.com/8W0RNMrWZw

— cricket pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) 18 July 2022