Ben Stokes Return to England Squad Ahead of World Cup 2023:
Ben Stokes Return to England Squad Ahead of World Cup 2023, and Ben Stokes, England’s Test Captain, has reversed his decision to retire from 50-over cricket ahead of the ODI World Cup starting later this year in India. Stokes has been selected in England’s squad for the ODI series against New Zealand before the World Cup. He claimed that it was unsustainable for him to give his best across all three formats of the game. Stokes’ big-match temperament will be an asset for the England team in the upcoming tournament and will help the team to defend their title in India.
Recently England white ball coach Matthew Mott said that he wants Ben Stokes in the England squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Ben Stokes retired from One Day Internationals in July 2022. Stokes stepped away from ODI cricket after playing just 105 games. Recently during the fifth test of the Ashes Series, the all-rounder clarified that he has no plans to make his return to One Day Internationals. He reiterated his intentions of staying retired from the 50-over format to be fit for the Test series against India in early 2024.
Stokes suffered a knee injury during his tour to New Zealand in February, causing him to miss most of the Indian Premier League season. Although he was ready to captain England in the Ashes, his involvement was mostly limited to batting due to the injury, bowling just 29 overs across five matches.
“The all-rounder also acknowledged that he is still unable to bowl with the full potential, having not bowled in the ongoing Ashes after the second test due to his serious knee issue. The Test Captain suggested that after the Ashes would be a good opportunity for him to discuss the injury with the medical staff. That is an excellent time to have some serious conversations with the doctors to solve the problem and be able to bowl without having to worry about my knee. It’s something I want to get sorted,” Stokes said.
Ben Stokes – England’s Hero & World-Class All-Rounder:
Nevertheless, Stokes has consistently demonstrated his value as a specialized batter. England’s white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, is open to including him in the World Cup squad based solely on his batting prowess. Stokes has been exceptional for England in the last few years, helping the team win the ODI World Cup in 2019 and T20 World Cup in 2022. Over the years, the talented all-rounder has produced some superb individual efforts with the bat for his team. Ben Stoke’s incredible knocks at the final of ODI WC 2019 and T20 WC 2022 earned England two major trophies. His involvement in the squad would have increased England’s chance of advancing to the knockout stage in the upcoming World Cup and will help his country to defend their 50-over world cup title in India.
Stokes Potential Return to 2023 ODI WC:
Ben Stokes’ mooted return to ODI cricket will be top of the agenda as England’s selectors meet to pick a provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup in India. In an interview, Matthew Mott, England’s white-ball coach, said that Jos Buttler, their captain, would “lead the way” on communication with Stokes, adding: “We will see if he’s keen. There has not been a clear direction on what he’s going to do yet, but we are still hopeful.” I’ve always said his bowling would be a bonus, but look at what he brings with the bat, even in the field.” Watching him throughout the whole Ashes series, he had such a great presence. He’s done it for years when it comes to performing in one-day cricket, so he’s an invaluable commodity.
Deadline to Announce Final Squad for World Cup:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) requires teams to select a provisional World Cup squad by September 5 and to finalize their squads by September 28. This leaves room for late changes, and Stokes’ potential return could significantly bolster England’s lineup. The final squad will consist of 15 players, along with three traveling reserves.
