Ben Stokes has called time on his one-day international career – and his last appearance for England in the 50-over format will be on his home ground on Tuesday.
After his ascent to the Test captaincy, and the instant impact of his high-octane 'Bazball' approach with coach Brendon McCullum, it was always likely that Stokes would give up one form of the game.
And the World Cup hero took to Instagram to announce his 105th ODI cap against South Africa at Durham's Emirates Riverside will be his swansong, admitting: “I can't give my team-mates 100 per cent of myself in this format any more.”
In a statement, Stokes announced: “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.
“As hard as a decision this was to come to, it's not as hard as dealing with the fact I can't give my team-mates 100 per cent of myself in this format any more. 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 like 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 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. I have loved all 104 games I have played so far, I've got one more and it feels amazing to be playing my last game at my home ground in Durham.
“As always, the England fans have always been there for me and will continue to be there. You're the best fans in the world. I hope we can win on Tuesday and set the series up nicely against South Africa.”
Stokes, 31, will forever be synonymous with the invincible super-over drama in the World Cup final against New Zealand at Lord's three years ago. Eoin Morgan's men landed the one-day holy grail – at the 12th attempt and after some risible failures – after man-of-the-match Stokes' audacious 84 not out.
But after his break from all cricket last year, primarily to guard his mental health, the Durham all-rounder was never likely to sustain all three forms of the game at international level.
He had already informed white-ball captain Jos Buttler and coach Matthew Mott of his decision before the one-day squad set out on the long bus transfer from Manchester to Durham following their 2-1 series defeat by India.
