ICC World Cup 2023: Badgering And Saying Come Back Doesn’t Work - Jos Buttler Claims That Ben Stokes' Decision To Return Was His Own.

England white-ball captain Jos Buttler talked about Ben Stokes returning to the team for the ICC World Cup 2023. He said coming out of retirement and playing was the all-rounder’s own call as him badgering and saying come back doest work with Test captain.

Ben Stokes took a U-turn and took back his retirement in the ODI format to be available for the team in the ICC World Cup 2023, slated to take place in India from 5th October to 19th November. The all-rounder last played for England in the format in July 2022.

As soon as Ben Stokes came out of retirement, he was named in England’s provisional squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. Despite him struggling to bowl due to his long-time knee, selectors picked him as a specialist batter because of what he brings to the table.

Jos Buttler revealed that he had some conversations with Ben Stokes but the all-rounder is someone who isn’t persuaded by talks and it was his call to return. He added that they are delighted that he is ready for the World Cup.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he explained: “To be honest, it was Ben’s call. You all know Ben pretty well by now – I don’t think anyone talking to him would persuade him.

We had some conversations quite a while ago about it and just left it to him to come to me, basically, if he wanted to come back. We’re delighted that he feels ready to come back and any time you can welcome him back into the team is great.

“Ben is very much his own man, he makes his own decisions. I’ve played with him for a very long time, I’m good friends with him. Me badgering him and saying ‘come back, come back’ is not really the way things work with Ben. He very much makes up his own mind and decides.”

ICC World Cup 2023: I’m delighted he felt up to it and could come back – Jos Buttler on Ben Stokes

Jos Buttler further highlighted what Ben Stokes brings into the team and said that playing World Cup is big for him as he’s driven highly to play in England shirt.

He explained: “We had some conversations around it and just left it in his court. I’m sure the lure of playing in a World Cup is quite big for someone as competitive and as driven as he is to play in an England shirt. I’m delighted he felt up to it and could come back.

“I don’t think you need me to tell you what Ben Stokes brings to a team. It’s fantastic to have Ben back available. Any time a player of his quality is available again is fantastic. We’re delighted to welcome him back.”

Ben Stokes has played 105 ODIs and retired from the format last year in July 2022, stating that he can’t play all three formats as it has been unsustainable for him. He has scored 2924 runs an average of 38.98 with three tons and 21 half-centuries in 105 ODIs. Apart from this he also picked 74 wickets at an average of 42.39.

Ben Stokes notably was the Man of the Match in the final of the ICC World Cup 2019. He also played magnificent innings under pressure in the final of the T20 World 2023 that helped England win. In the recently concluded Ashes, he scored 405 runs at an average of 45 in five Tests.