Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin (Image Credit: Getty)

Ben Stokes, an all-rounder and Test captain for England, will end his illustrious One Day International (ODI) career on Monday.

On the night before the opening ODI between South Africa and the hosts England, the 2019 World Cup champion revealed his retirement plans. In the 50-over format, Stokes has stated that the series opener between England and South Africa will be his farewell match for the Jos Buttler-led team. 

The news that experienced all-rounder Ben Stokes will be retiring from ODI cricket at the age of 31 has shocked the cricketing community. Social media is flooded with tributes as Stokes prepares for his farewell ODI match for the defending world champions.

Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes Image Source: Twitter

Mohammed Azharuddin Applauds Decision Taken By Ben Stokes

Mohammed Azharuddin, a legendary batsman, praised Stokes for making a courageous decision, while former Indian captain Virat Kohli praised Stokes as the most competitive person he has ever played against. 

Azhar, one of India’s finest ODI players, praised Stokes for his support of England cricket.

Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes (Image Credit: Twitter)

 “No one listens to his body better than the player himself. A well thought, selfless decision by a great player who gave his best to England cricket,” the former Indian skipper said in his tweet. Following Tuesday’s first ODI between England and South Africa, Stokes will retire from one-day international cricket. 

Three Formats Are Just Unsustainable For Me Now: Ben Stokes

At Stokes’ home field, Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, the first game of the series will be played. Stokes revealed the “very painful choice” in a long social media message.

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Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes. (Credits: Twitter)

 “As hard as a decision as this was to come to, it’s not as hard (as) dealing with the fact I can’t give my teammates 100 percent 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,” Stokes said. 

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