England star Ben Stokes reverses ODI retirement weeks before World Cup 2023
World Cup-winning all-rounder Ben Stokes has reversed his decision to retire from ODI cricket ahead of the upcoming World Cup in India. The Test captain has been named in England’s 15-man squad for a 4-match series against New Zealand in September at home.
“I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing (Stokes) back in an England ODI shirt again,” England’s senior national team selector Luke Wright said on Thursday, August 16.
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, ECB said in a release.
ENGLAND ODI SQUAD FOR NZ
Jos Buttler (Lancashire – captain)
Moeen Ali (Warwickshire)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jason Roy (Surrey)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Reece Topley (Surrey)
David Willey (Northamptonshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
Ben Stokes announced his retirement from ODI cricket in July 2022, citing an overwhelming work schedule and a desire to focus on Test cricket after he was named the captain of the Test side.
In the 2019 World Cup, Stokes was named player of the match in the final against New Zealand. The match was a nail-biter, ending in a dramatic Super Over. Stokes scored an unbeaten 84, helping England secure their first-ever Cricket World Cup victory.
Stokes’ heroics didn’t stop there. In the 2022 T20 World Cup held in Australia, he played a crucial role in England’s victory. He scored an unbeaten 52 from 49 balls in the final against Pakistan, propelling England to their target of 138 with an over to spare. His performance was instrumental in England becoming the first nation to hold both the T20 and ODI World Cups simultaneously in men’s cricket.
Stokes’s return will be a big boost to England in their ODI World Cup campaign, considering his experience of having played in India and his ability to deliver at the biggest stages.
Stokes has played 105 ODIs since his debut against Ireland in 2011, scoring 2,924 runs, including three centuries. He also has taken 74 wickets, proving to be one of the finest all-rounders.
ENGLAND VS NEW ZEALAND ODI SERIES SCHEDULE
1st ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff – 8 September
2nd ODI at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton – 10 September
3rd ODI at The Kia Oval, London – 13 September
4th ODI at Lord’s, London – 15 September
England play 4 ODIs against New Zealand at home before facing Ireland in 3 ODIs. Jos Buttler’s men take on New Zealand in a repeat of the 2019 final in the opening match of the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad on October 5.