Stokes retired from one-day internationals in July of last year, two months after being elected England’s test captain. This reversal makes it possible for him to participate in England’s 50-over World Cup title defence in October and November.
The renowned all-rounder from England, Ben Stokes, has decided against retiring from one-day internationals (ODI) and has been named to the team for the next series against New Zealand, the nation’s cricket body announced on Wednesday.
The reversal allows Stokes to participate in England’s 50-over World Cup title defence in October and November. Stokes retired from ODIs last July, two months after being elected England’s test captain.
Luke Wright, a national selector, stated in a statement that “every fan will enjoy seeing (Stokes) back in an England ODI shirt again.”
The 32-year-old Stokes, who helped England defeat New Zealand in a thrilling extra over in the 2019 World Cup final on home soil, was named Player of the Match.
Additionally, he scored a match-winning unbeaten 52 to help England defeat Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup final in Melbourne and win the tournament.
Stokes’ persistent left knee problem, which resurfaced this year, is still a source of concern. He did not bowl in the final three Ashes matches in July, when England recovered a 2-0 deficit to Australia to tie the series at two games each.
Stokes will be embraced with open arms upon his return to the ODI squad, according to white-ball coach Matthew Mott.
Since his ODI debut against Ireland in 2011, Stokes has played 105 matches, averaging 38.98 and a strike rate of 95 while accumulating 2,924 runs, including three hundreds. In addition, he has 74 wickets and is one of the team’s best fielders.
Gus Atkinson, a speed bowler from Surrey with little experience, was also called up to the 15-man ODI squad for the New Zealand series, and Josh Tongue, John Turner, and Atkinson were all given their maiden T20I squad calls.
Starting on August 30, England will play four T20 matches against New Zealand, followed by a four-match ODI series from September 8–15.
On October 5 in Ahmedabad, India, they play New Zealand in their opening World Cup match.
