ICC World Cup 2023: Ben Stokes To Return To ODI Cricket As England Selectors Meet To Pick Provisional World Cup Squad - Reports
Published - 15 Aug 2023, 06:32 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:17 AM
Ben Stokes’ stunning return to ODI cricket will be the biggest agenda when the England selectors meet on Tuesday (August 15) to pick the provisional squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. England are the reigning World Cup champions and will kickstart their title defense on October 5 as they take on New Zealand in the very first game of the tournament.
After being appointed England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes retired from ODI cricket in July last year in order to focus more on the longest format of the game. A few months later, he helped England win the T20 World Cup in Australia. Having him in the ODI team for the upcoming World Cup will definitely be a boost for the reigning champions.
England have not shied away from making it clear that they would welcome the star allrounder with open arms. Matthew Mott, England’s white-ball coach, recently revealed that captain Jos Buttler would lead the way on communication with the allrounder for a return to the 50-over format.
“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,” Mott told Daily Mail.
Earlier this week, English news outlet The Telegraph reported that the England Test captain has indicated to the team management that he is willing to come out of his ODI retirement. Ben Stokes has expressed his desire to help the team defend the 50-over title.
England’s selectors to discuss about Ben Stokes’ return:
According to ESPNcricinfo, Ben Stokes’ return will be one of the major talking points during the selectors’ meeting on Tuesday. The selectors will be meeting to finalize the squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against New Zealand and an ODI series against Ireland. They are also likely to announce the provisional squad for the World Cup.
In case Ben Stokes makes a return to the ODI team, it could also make things a bit trickier for the team management. One spare batter or bowler is likely to make way for the World Cup winner. Ben Stokes has struggled with his knee injury for quite some time now and England are unlikely to rely much on his bowling. In such a scenario, the selectors are likely to drop a spare batter to make room for the all-rounder.
