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Ben Stokes looking to follow in Anderson-Broad's footsteps and prolong Test career

England’s World Cup 2019 Final hero Ben Stokes played his last ODI of his career on Tuesday as the star all-rounder bids adieu to the 50-over format to prolong his Test career. 


Stokes, 31, called time on his ODI career, announcing it to the world on Monday (July 18th) and made his last appearance for the England’s ODI team the following day in the first ODI against South Africa. 

Speaking on Sky Sports before his final ODI in Durham, Stokes revealed his desire to play 150 Test matches for England. 


“Being the captain of the Test team, with so much cricket coming up, I have to look after my body because I want to play as long as I possibly can,” Stokes told Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports. 


ALSO READ: Ben Stokes: The redemption that revolutionized English cricket


The influence of Anderson and Broad.


Stokes looks up to the careers of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who have played more than 150 Test matches in their respective careers. The legendary duo played their last white ball internationals in March 2015 and February 2016, respectively. 


The England Test captain wants to follow a similar career path by reducing his white ball commitments and giving his best to the longest format.


"I look at the way Jimmy and Broady's career went when they stopped playing white-ball cricket. Stokes said.


“I asked Stuart if he felt that not playing white-ball cricket was a reason he is still playing now. He said, 'Without a shadow of a doubt, yes'. 


“I want to play 140-150 Tests for England," he added.


"It's come a lot earlier than I would have liked at 31 years old, giving one of the formats up. But in T20 I can bowl two or three overs here and there. Longevity I have thought about. Hopefully when I'm 35 or 36 still playing Test cricket I can look back on this decision and say I'm very happy with it."

The period of realisation to call time on his ODI career.


Stokes further revealed the exact moment he wanted to leave the ODI format. The all-rounder informed Jos Buttler of his decision to call time on his ODI career after the 10-wicket loss to India at the Kia Oval last week. The way his body felt after playing four Test matches prior to that series made it a lot easier for Stokes to take the decision. 


“It was actually after the first one day game (against India), when it was quite clear. It just hit me on the face. I had a quick chat with Jos (Buttler) after the game. 


“I told him that I can’t do that. It was not a nice feeling knowing that.

 

“This England shirt deserves a 100% from whoever wears it and unfortunately I did not like the feeling of not being able to contribute in the way I want to contribute. 


“And also the feeling of stopping some else, being able to progress in this format for England,” Stokes concluded.


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