As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to kick off on October 5th in India, defending champions England are making a determined effort to entice star all-rounder Ben Stokes back into the fold. Stokes, a pivotal figure behind England’s triumph in the previous edition, had announced a surprise retirement from ODIs in July the previous year, citing the demanding nature of playing all three formats of the game.
In a thrilling opening clash at this year’s global showpiece event, England are slated to take on New Zealand, setting the stage for a riveting showdown to commence the tournament. However, one notable absentee from England’s squad will be Stokes, who played an instrumental role in their World Cup victory but opted to step away from ODI cricket at the age of 31.
As the impending tournament draws closer, England’s desire to bolster their title defense has prompted discussions of Stokes’ potential return. Reports indicate that the England Cricket Board (ECB) is contemplating reaching out to the seasoned all-rounder with a request to reconsider his retirement decision and make himself available for the prestigious competition.
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Jos Buttler to lead the way on that communication: England coach Matthew Mott
England’s white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, has revealed that limited-overs captain Jos Buttler will take the lead in initiating the conversation with Stokes regarding a possible comeback. Mott expressed optimism about the prospect, acknowledging Stokes’ considerable contributions with both bat and ball.
“Jos will probably lead the way on that communication, but Ben’s pretty straight with all of us. We will see if he’s keen. There has not been a clear direction on what he’s going to do yet, but we are still hopeful. I’ve always said his bowling would be a bonus, but just look at what he brings with the bat, even in the field,” Mott shared, as quoted by Daily Mail.
Mott went on to emphasize Stokes’ multifaceted value to the team, underscoring his exceptional presence on the field and his consistent performances in one-day cricket. He said: “Watching him throughout the whole Ashes series, he had such a great presence. He’s done it for years when it comes to performing in one-day cricket and so he’s an invaluable commodity.”
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Stokes’ potential return to the ODI arena would undoubtedly bolster England’s campaign, injecting a potent mix of batting prowess, bowling skill, and match-winning ability.
