Last Update: January 28, 2023, 10:55 AM IST
Ben Stokes has already retired from ODIs. (AFP photo)
World champions England suffered defeat in the first ODI against South Africa on Friday
There is a big problem in international cricket. And this has been pointed out time and again by cricketers around the world. Even cricket boards like BCCI have started taking measures to combat it.
The hectic schedule is forcing players to prioritize formats and tournaments. Others like Ben Stokes have taken the extreme measure of skipping one format altogether in order to keep themselves fit and fresh for the other two. Others, such as Trent Boult, have given up national contracts to become freelancers despite being at the peak of their careers.
One-day cricket is bearing the brunt with fewer fans at venues. Top players are sometimes unavailable due to their prior commitments, fitness concerns or format preferences; Teams are often unable to field their best XI.
World champions England lost the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Friday. While the obvious reason behind the defeat was their batting collapse after being in a healthy state in the chase of 299, Stokes pointed to another reason which is troubling the team.
Stokes posted on Twitter in response to a question from Wisden, “What is England’s biggest issue in one-day cricket?”
Obviously, no genius is needed to crack the code.
Stokes had announced that he was quitting ODIs, arguing that playing three formats was not ‘sustainable’ for him. “Three formats are shaky for me right 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 replacing another player who is giving everything to Jose and the rest of the team. can give. It is time for someone else to progress as a cricketer and create incredible memories like I have in the last 11 years.”
Even the likes of Steve Waugh have pointed out the excesses of cricket in the light of non-stop matches throughout the year. There are apprehensions that the growing popularity of the T20 format and repeated desire by top players to play Tests will hurt ODI cricket.
Australia batsman Usman Khawaja has said that ODIs are dying a slow death while veteran Wasim Akram has termed the format as a ‘drag’.
get the latest cricket news, the schedule And cricket live score Here