Ben Stokes, the legendary all-rounder for England, has decided not to retire from one-day internationals (ODIs) and has been included in the team for the upcoming series against New Zealand, as confirmed by the nation’s cricket authority.
Merely eight weeks following his designation as the test captain of England, Stokes opted to step back from participating in one-day internationals in July of the previous year.
This reversal enables him to participate in England’s 50-over World Cup title defense scheduled for October and November. National selector Luke Wright stated, ‘I am confident that every fan will relish seeing (Stokes) back in an England ODI shirt again.’
In the thrilling Super Over victory against New Zealand during the 2019 World Cup final on home soil, the 32-year-old Stokes was named the Player of the Match after scoring an unbeaten 84. He played a significant part in England’s victory at the Twenty20 World Cup last year, further enhancing their success. His game-winning unbeaten 52 aided in the victory over Pakistan in the championship match held in Melbourne.
Despite his persistent left knee problem resurfacing this year, which remains a cause for concern, Stokes managed to help England turn the tide in the Ashes series against Australia by notching a series-tying win of two games each. After making his comeback to the ODI team, Stokes is set to receive a warm reception, as confirmed by Matthew Mott, the coach responsible for the white-ball format.
Since making his ODI debut against Ireland in 2011, Stokes has participated in 105 matches, maintaining an average of 38.98 and a strike rate of 95, while accumulating a total of 2,924 runs, including three centuries. Additionally, he has taken 74 wickets and is regarded as one of the team’s top fielders. The 15-man ODI squad for the New Zealand series also includes Gus Atkinson, a pace bowler for Surrey who has yet to represent his country.
Atkinson, along with Josh Tongue and John Turner, has been selected for the T20I squad for the first time. Starting on August 30, England will engage in four T20 matches against New Zealand, followed by a four-match ODI series scheduled from September 8 to 15. On October 5, in Ahmedabad, India, England will make their World Cup debut against New Zealand.
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