Ben Stokes hopes early ODI retirement prolongs career

Ben Stokes said on Tuesday he was retiring from one-day internationals earlier than planned as the England Test captain hopes it will prolong his career into his mid-30s.

Stokes was a central figure in England's 2019 World Cup final triumph, their greatest moment in 50-over cricket.

But the all-rounder is making his 105th and final ODI appearance against South Africa on Tuesday - a match taking place at his Durham home ground.

Before his farewell match, 32-year-old Stokes reiterated his warning about England's gruelling schedule.

Tuesday's game comes midway through an England programme of 12 white-ball fixtures in 25 days this month, with the Test team playing seven matches this season.

"The schedule for me feels unsustainable," Stokes told Sky Sports News shortly before Tuesday's toss.

"I didn't like the feeling of not being able to contribute in the way I wanted to - as an all-rounder I wanted to contribute with the bat and ball."

He added: "When I thought about it long and hard, I felt I don't feel I can do that in all three formats. I always knew that at some point I would have to choose one of the white-ball formats.

"With me being captain of the Test team and how much cricket we have coming up I do have to look after my body. It has come earlier than I would have liked - at 31 giving up one of the formats.

"Hopefully when I am 35 or 36 and still playing Test cricket I'll be very happy with this decision I have made."

'Selfless' Stokes

Rob Key's first act after being appointed as England managing director was to install Stokes as England's Test captain.

He believes the all-rounder's decision to bow out of ODIs is a selfless gesture given the possible "financial implications" in terms of a reduced England central contract.

"It