England all-rounder Ben Stokes has unretired from ODI cricket, reversing a decision he made in July last year.
England all-rounder Ben Stokes has unretired from ODI cricket – reversing the decision he made in July last year – and has been named in England’s 15-member squad for the series against New Zealand starting later this month.
The ECB made the decision ahead of the World Cup 2023, hoping that Stokes, 32, can get enough match practice before England defend their title at cricket’s biggest extravaganza in India in October.
Ben Stokes returns to the England Men’s ODI set-up after deciding to reverse his decision to retire from the format while uncapped Surrey quick Gus Atkinson is included in the 15-player squad,” an ECB release stated.
Stokes, who was instrumental in England’s title triumph at the 2019 World Cup, had called time on his ODI career claiming that it was unsustainable for him to give his 100 percent in all three formats, but had shown his willingness to end his decision in bid for England’s World Cup title defense.
The development becomes all the more interesting given Stokes’ recent knee injury that forced him to miss a major chunk of matches for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023. Although he looked a lot better during the Ashes, Stokes is likely to play the World Cup as a specialist batter.
We’re also excited to give first international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner while Josh Tongue has deserved a place in the T20 squad after impressing during the Ashes. Any series against New Zealand is closely fought and will provide us with an ideal opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.
