Rob Key believes Ben Stokes acted altruistically in retiring from the one-day internationals, mainly because the England captain’s decision may have “financial implications”.
Stokes, the hero of England’s 2019 World Cup final, will make his 105th and final ODI appearance today at his Chester-le-Street camp against South Africa following his shocking announcement yesterday.
A “unsustainable” schedule was cited as an important factor and Key, whose first act after being appointed managing director of men’s cricket was to install Stokes as a test pattern, was not surprised.
While the monetary terms of Stokes ’central contract could be revised, Key believes England’s test and Twenty20 teams will gain enormously with the lightening of their workload.
“He may end up having financial implications for Ben Stokes in terms of his contract,” Key told Sky Sports News.
“That’s why it’s a selfless decision, I could easily have said‘ no, no, I’m the key ’and would have continued to be chosen on the team for over 50 years.
“But he wants to do the test job as best he can, he wants to push the England test team forward.
“I was probably surprised at the moment, but I’m not surprised I had to give it a format. I think it’s a good decision for Ben that England will benefit in the long run.”
Key, who spoke with Stokes about his decision last Thursday, believes the 31-year-old was also motivated by his desire to continue to be present in both the batting and bowling disciplines alongside the test.
“Actually, bowling is what he wants to be able to do, he not only wants to go on to be a hitter, but he wants to be able to contribute as an all-rounder,” Key said.
“To do that, he thinks that’s the best way. I hope and bet that this is what brings him to more than 120 test matches.”
Stokes ’abandonment of a format has sparked questions about England’s congested program, with 12 white ball games piled up in 25 days this month, while they also have seven tests this summer.
Less than a week after their last home test in September, they have to leave for Pakistan for seven T20s. Then there is a white ball tour of Australia, including the T20 World Cup, before returning to Pakistan for a series of tests, all before Christmas.
“What you really need is for all the boards, the ICC and everyone, to come up with something that is manageable,” Key added.
“In fact, invent something for everyone to get what they want out of it: the players, the boards, the stations, so that we can get something a little more manageable. It won’t be easy, but that’s what you need.”