The nation’s cricket authority has announced that Ben Stokes, the legendary all-rounder for England, has opted not to retire from one-day internationals (ODI). They have also named him in the team for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Stokes comes out ODI retirement: Two months after assuming the role of England’s test captain, Stokes stepped down from one-day internationals in July of last year. This reversal makes it possible for him to participate in England’s 50-over World Cup title defence in October and November.
National selector Luke Wright said in a statement, “I am confident that every fan will enjoy seeing (Stokes) back in an England ODI shirt again.”
In the 2019 World Cup final held on home soil, England secured a thrilling victory over New Zealand in an extra-over contest. During this match, the 32-year-old Stokes was awarded the title of Player of the Match. He scored an unbeaten 84.
In addition, his match-winning unbeaten 52 last year helped England defeat Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup final and win the tournament.
Stokes’ recurring left knee problem, which flared up this year, is still a source of concern.
In July, when England overcame a 2-0 deficit against Australia to tie the series at two games each, he did not bowl in any of the final three Ashes tests.
White-ball coach Matthew Mott has stated that Stokes will receive a warm welcome back into the ODI squad.
Since making his ODI debut against Ireland in 2011, Stokes has appeared in 105 matches, amassing 2,924 runs, including three hundreds, at an average of 38.98 and a strike rate of 95.
He is one of the team’s best fielders and has 74 wickets.