Stokes to retire from ODI cricket after South Africa opener

Ben Stokes has announced that he is retiring from one-day international cricket.

Stokes, England's Test captain and authoritative all-rounder, will continue to play T20I fixtures but says Tuesday's series-opener against South Africa will be his last in the 50-over format for his country.

The 31-year-old has a 39.44 batting average in 104 ODIs, has taken 74 wickets and was Player of the Match in England's incredible World Cup win in 2019.

Stokes' last ODI for England takes place at his home country ground in Durham, with the South Africa series all live on Sky Sports. Tuesday's coverage starts at 12.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event, with the first ball at 1pm.

"I will play my last game for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday in Durham," said Stokes, who has also captained the ODI side, in a statement on Monday.

"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 as this was to come to, it's not as hard dealing with the fact I can't give my team-mates 100 per cent of myself in this format anymore. 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