Ben Stokes to play ODI World Cup in India, set to unretire from the fifty overs format
It was reported that ECB and England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler are in conversation with Stokes on the same
England’s test captain and star all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to make a comeback in ODI cricket, he will feature in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India in October. This is being seen as a big boost for England ahead of the mega event as they were left searching for Stokes’ replacement after his shocking retirement from ODI cricket last just before the limited-overs leg of South Africa’s tour of England. ECB and the team management did not expect Stokes to make such an announcement a year prior to the World Cup. The decision was even more shocking as Stokes was in good form in limited-overs cricket and England had just won the T20 World Cup in Australia a few months ago in which Stokes played a major role with both bat and ball.
Role Reversal
Fortunately for England, they have played just a handful of ODIs since Stokes’ retirement which includes a three-match ODI series against South Africa and Bangladesh. As the world cup is about to start in a couple of months’ time ECB and the team management have no choice other than to convince Ben Stokes to play in the World Cup much like what he did during the Ashes with Moeen Ali by convincing him to play for England in the Ashes. Now the tables have turned and it is Buttler’s job to make Ben Stokes play the fifty over World Cup.
Change in plan
When Stokes was asked about his plans for the ODI World Cup he clearly said he stands retired from the format and won’t change his decision. In the words of Stokes, “I remain retired from the ODIs and will not reverse it.” Stokes’ inclusion adds stability to an otherwise inexperienced middle order which only has the likes of Captain Buttler with Liam Livingstone yet to prove himself in the longer format. With Jofra Archer who might also be available for selection and Stokes coming out of retirement England look well on track to defend their World Cup title.
