BEN STOKES is reportedly willing to reverse his decision to retire from one-day internationals to play at the World Cup in India.
Retirement Reversal
The Ashes star called time on his ODI England career last year as he focused on captaining the Test team. However, according to The Telegraph, the all-rounder appears to be willing to play in the World Cup this year if he is asked by white-ball captain Jos Buttler.
Ashes Hero
Stokes, 32, led the Test side in the Ashes this summer as England fought Australia to a 2-2 draw in a scintillating series. He starred for England when they won the tournament in 2019, being named player of the match in the final that saw England beat New Zealand after the game went to a super over.
Sacrifices for the Team
It was thought that Stokes would be undergoing knee surgery after the Ashes finished in order to help him bowl again. However, the report claims that he would be "prepared" to miss the next season of the IPL should he need a gap for his recovery. Stokes would be willing to risk his place in the competition – for which he has a contract worth £1.6 million – to help England defend their title.
Specialist Batter
If Stokes comes out of retirement from ODI’s to feature in the World Cup, he would likely be used as a specialist batter. This would be because he would not have had the time to have the surgery on his knee.
Deadline Approaching
The squads for the World Cup in India need to be submitted to the International Cricket Council by September 5. Although teams are allowed to make changes to the roster until September 27. Before the final deadline, England’s ODI team face New Zealand four times and Ireland three times.
Stokes is currently the captain of England’s Test team.
