Ben Stokes has announced he will retire from international ODI cricket later this summer. The 31-year-old will go down as one of England’s greatest ever all-rounders.
Stokes made his debut for England in ODI cricket in 2011 against Ireland. Since then, he has featured 104 times in international matches over 50 overs. He recently featured in England’s series defeat to India where he is one of the leading wicket-takers between those nations.
Here is a look back at some of Stokes’ greatest ever moments for England.
World Cup Performance in 2019
England went into the 2019 World Cup as the favorites to win the tournament on home soil for the first time. There was a lot of pressure on the hosts, as they were a team which was flying.
Stokes was a key member of the team, and he showed that in the final against New Zealand. At 86-4, England were in a lot of trouble in their chase of the Kiwis’ total of 241. When he entered the crease, Stokes was able to keep his side’s score ticking over.
The Durham player finished on 84 not out from 98 balls. It included five fours and two sixes. Those stats alone do not do the innings justice. Stokes had to be patient, as he knew he was England’s best chance of getting to New Zealand’s score.
The home side forced a super over in the final and it was Stokes who hit eight of their 15 runs from their six balls. When the scores were level again following the extra over, England were victorious as they scored more boundaries in the match.
It was an innings and match that England fans will never forget. No matter how successful the ODI team goes on to become, this moment will be treasured as it ensured England’s name was engraved on the trophy for the first time.
Headingley Winning Ashes Innings
In what was an incredible year for Stokes in 2019, he elevated himself into greatness when he produced an amazing innings in the Third Ashes Test at Headingley. He helped England to get to their target of 359 with an unbeaten 135.
The victory at the time kept England’s series hopes alive. It was a rare moment in the series where supporters of the home team had something to celebrate. In his innings, he hit 11 fours and eight sixes. It left the Australian players and coaching team in shock that they had let the game slip out of their hands.
At the end of 2019, Stokes was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for his achievements across the 12 months. He was just the fifth cricketer to win the prize, and the first since Andrew Flintoff in 2005.
What Does the Future Hold for Stokes?
Part of Stokes decision to retire from international ODI cricket is so he can concentrate on his job as Test captain. He does not believe he can give his full commitment in all three formats of the game.
Stokes has made a very successful start to his job as captain of the England Test team. They have recorded victories over India and New Zealand over the summer. The all-rounder and the new head coach Brendon McCullum are encouraging the rest of the team to play attacking and aggressive cricket.
Preparations for the Ashes in 2023 are already being made by Stokes and McCullum. As of the 19th of July, England are +120 in the cricket odds to win the home series against Australia.
Stokes had decided to continue playing T20 cricket for the immediate future. That’s a big boost towards their chances of winning the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. The 2010 winners are one of the fancied teams for the trophy, along with the hosts and India.
A decision on Stokes’ future in T20 is likely to be made after the World Cup. In a format where there aren’t as many overs, he may feel he can continue playing alongside Test cricket.
Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff and Ben Stokes have all been box office all-rounders. Those players will have inspired many generations into the sport. England will be hoping to find another star all-rounder who will join that list over the next few years.
