All-rounder Ben Stokes played his final ODI for England in their 62 runs defeat to South Africa at Chester-le-Street. The 31-year-old opted to retire from the 50-overs format for his country as he was unable to commit to playing for all three of England’s teams.
Stokes took over from Joe Root as the captain of the Test team earlier this year. That new role has significantly increased the responsibility on his shoulders. The Durham player guided England to a series win over New Zealand on his first assignment in that role. He also led his team to a single match victory over India at Edgbaston.
11 years and countless ODI memories ❤️
Thank you, @benstokes38 👏 pic.twitter.com/TroqvkZwsw
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 18, 2022
As well as playing Test cricket, Stokes will continue in the T20 team. He will feature at the World Cup in Australia where England are the +300 joint-favorites in the online sports betting for the trophy. With Stokes, Root, and Jonny Bairstow all in great form with the bat this year, England are likely to be one of the online sports tips for that 20-overs tournament. Stokes has a lot of experience in the format of the game as he has played in the IPL and Big Bash for various teams, including the Rajasthan Royals and Melbourne Renegades.
England No Match for Visitors in Stokes’ Farewell
RAVING RASSIE 💯
Rassie van der Dussen raises his bat as he smashes his way to a 3rd ODI century #ENGvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/XIqtnBh4gn
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 19, 2022
On what was meant to be Stokes’ farewell party, Rassie van der Dussen shone in Durham with the bat. The South African made 134 from 117 deliveries, before being bowled by Liam Livingstone.
His century helped the visitors reach 333-5 from their 50 overs. Van der Dussen was supported by Aiden Markram who hit 77, while Janneman Malan recorded a useful 57 to get his side off to a good start.
England were unable to chase down its target of 334. They started their innings well as they hit 102 before losing their first wicket, thanks to a strong partnership from Jason Roy and Bairstow.
Root top scored for the hosts with 86 runs coming from 77 balls, but he eventually walked back to the pavilion after being bowled by Anrich Nortje. At that point, England were down to their tailenders.
Stokes could only manage five runs on his final appearance with the bat in an ODI. He was caught LBW after being trapped by Markram.
England’s World Cup Defense In 2023 Will Be Without Stokes
England will be using the rest of 2022 and the early stages of 2023 to prepare for the World Cup. They will be the defending champions in India after beating New Zealand in 2019 to win their maiden World Cup crown. Stokes was the hero for England at Lord’s three years ago. His unbeaten 84 was enough to ensure there was a super over in the final. Without his innings, England would have been beaten by the Kiwis.
Despite the loss of Stokes, England remain a strong force in 50 overs cricket. Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, and recent record breaker Reece Topley are likely to be the players who can help them have success in the new era.
In many ways, Stokes was one of the men who raised the standard in the England 50-overs team. It is now the job of the rest of the squad to follow that level and keep their side at the top end of the ICC world rankings.
