PAK vs ENG: Ben Stokes Keeps The Option Open For A Return To The ODI World Cup In India

The forthcoming 50-over World Cup in India hasn’t prevented England Test team captain Ben Stokes from returning to one-day cricket. The seam-bowling all-rounder thought that representing his country in a World Cup would be an amazing experience, but right now, the Test series against Pakistan is his first priority.

In July of this year, the 31-year-old announced his retirement from ODI cricket, citing an unmanageable workload. Since his debut in 2011, Stokes has only participated in 105 One-Day Internationals.

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He made these remarks prior to the opening Test against Pakistan, which got underway on Thursday here. Stokes was a major contributor to England’s victory in the 50-over World Cup final in 2019 and again when they won the T20 World Cup in Australia in November.

In October or November of 2023, India will host the next 50-over World Cup.

“It’s one of those things. Going to a World Cup is an amazing thing to do, to represent your country,” he said.

“But at the moment I’m not even thinking about that. My focus is solely on this series (against Pakistan).” Stokes was one of the players that missed training on Wednesday as a viral infection outbreak hit the English camp.

Ben Stokes was awarded Player of the Match in the 2019 World Cup final:

Ben Stokes also played a key role in 2019 when England won their first World Cup in 50 overs at home. In the tournament final at Lord’s, the outstanding all-rounder hit an unbeaten 84 to defeat New Zealand in a thrilling match.

If Stokes decides to play in ODIs again for the World Cup in India next year, white-ball captain Jos Buttler will be overjoyed because he has proven his mettle in big games with both the bat and the ball.

With three centuries and 21 runs of fifty-plus, Stokes has amassed 2924 runs at a 38.98 average. He also has 71 wickets to his name, with the best total of 5/61.

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