Ben Stokes reverses ODI retirement for World Cup title defence

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has made a U-turn on his ODI retirement for the World Cup title defence. Stokes has been named in England’s squad for the upcoming four-match ODI series against New Zealand.

The all-rounder had played a match-winning knock of 84 runs off 98 balls in the World Cup 2019 final against the Kiwis. Stokes had called time on his ODI career in July 2022 after taking over as Test skipper. The all-rounder had then claimed that it would be ‘unsustainable’ for him to manage all three formats given the hectic schedule and his knee woes.

Stokes will continue to lead England in the Test format but the team’s next red-ball assignment is against India in January 2024 and thus he has time to get ready for the ODI showpiece.

England ODI squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes

England T20I squad: Jos Buttler (c) Rehan Ahmed, Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, John Turner, Luke Wood.

Meanwhile, Jofra Archer is unlikely to be fit for the ODI World Cup as he continues his recovery. Archer will travel with the team as a reserve for the ODI mega event.

“The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again,” said Luke Wright, England Men’s National Selector.

“We’re also excited to give first international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner while Josh Tongue has deserved a place in the T20 squad after impressing during the Ashes.

“Any series against New Zealand is closely fought and will provide us with an ideal opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.”

The first ODI between England and New Zealand will be played on September 8.