Ben Stokes was criticised by former Australian Test captain Tim Paine for returning from ODI retirement to compete in the World Cup.
Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has slammed England Test captain Ben Stokes for returning from ODI retirement to play in the World Cup, claiming he cannot “pick” and “choose” which competitions to play in. Stokes, 32, announced his retirement from ODIs in July of last year, claiming that playing three formats had become “unsustainable” for him. However, he just came out of retirement to be named to England’s 15-man team for a limited-overs match against New Zealand at home in preparation for the World Cup in India.
With the World Cup starting on October 5 in India, England is thrilled to have the all-rounder back in the ODI lineup. However, Paine claimed Stokes was acting selfishly.
Paine stated on Sen Radio, “I found that odd that Ben Stokes was coming out of retirement one day.
“There’s a little bit of ‘Me, me, me’ there, isn’t there? I’ll choose where to play and when to play, and I’ll play in the major events, was the statement.
Paine predicted that England’s cricketers, who had to wait a year to compete in the World Cup, would have to sit out in order to make room for Stokes.
The limited-overs series against New Zealand will feature 15 players, including Stokes, who will likely bat as a specialist because bowling aggravates his persistent knee ailment. New Zealand is touring at the time of the match, therefore the 15-member roster also includes Stokes.
According to Paine, Harry Brook had suffered as a result of the England cricket board’s choice to play Stokes in the New Zealand series.
It took Brook 1,058 balls to complete the feat of playing 1,000 Test runs in the quickest time ever, but he was unable to secure a spot in the team.
“I’m not sure; Stokes isn’t bowling. Ben Stokes or Harry Brook? like a bat. It would be really, extremely close. However, Paine acknowledged that both hosts India and the defending ODI World Cup champions England will go into the forthcoming championship as favourites.
“Probably (India and England, who are currently favourites). I believe the Australians can win if they can get hot, Paine continued.
