“It should definitely be a bit of a wake-up call”: Jos Buttler on Ben Stokes’ retirentment

• Buttler praised Stokes’ retirement decision.
• Stokes said that all-format cricket is wearing his body down.
• England has lost 5 out of 7 ODIs since Morgan’s retirement.

England’s white-ball skipper Jos Buttler commented on Ben Stokes’ surprise departure from ODIs, stating that it should serve as a wake-up call.

Stokes announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday, blaming the gruelling schedule for cricketers.

“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,” Stokes said.

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Tuesday morning, the world cup-winning all-rounder made strong statements regarding the hectic schedule by stating, “We are not cars.”

“We are not cars, you can’t just fill us up with petrol or diesel,” he stated.

“We had a Test series and then the one-day team had a series going on at the same time – that was a bit silly,” he maintained.

After England’s fifth loss in seven matches since Eoin Morgan’s retirement, Buttler implored authorities to wake up.

“It should definitely be a bit of a wake-up call. Absolutely. Especially with the magnitude of the player. Ben’s one of the most recognisable players in world cricket, someone everyone wants to see play in every format,” Buttler said in a post-match press conference after England’s 62-run loss to South Africa in the series opener.

“I’m sure there’s more to it than the schedules etc but I think in international cricket you always want your best players playing if possible,” he further added.

Buttler called Stokes’ ODI retirement bittersweet since it will give him time to give his all in Tests.

“It’s bittersweet as an England fan. There’s a bit of sadness that Ben is no longer available in this form of the game. But our loss in ODI cricket is certainly going to be England’s gain in Test cricket,” Jos Buttler stated.

“That’s his favoured format and his priority, especially now he’s captain, and I’m sure it will give him much more longevity in the purest form of the game,” he added.

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