Introduction
England is reportedly making efforts to bring back Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer for the upcoming Cricket World Cup. Stokes retired from one-day internationals last year due to knee problems, while Archer has been dealing with elbow issues. The team's white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, has reached out to Stokes to discuss his potential return as a special batter in the tournament.
Stokes' Heroics in 2019
Ben Stokes played a crucial role in England's memorable victory in the 2019 World Cup. He made significant contributions with both the bat and in the field, including a match-winning 84 not out against New Zealand in the final. Stokes' all-around skills and his past performances in one-day cricket make him a valuable asset for the team.
Archer's Potential Comeback
Jofra Archer, who famously bowled the Super Over in the 2019 final, could also make a comeback for England. The fast bowler has been dealing with elbow issues and suffered a stress fracture earlier this year. However, the team's coach, Matthew Mott, expressed optimism about Archer's inclusion in the squad, considering his past performances on the world stage.
The Plan for Stokes and Archer
While there is no clear decision yet on whether Stokes will come out of retirement, Jos Buttler has initiated the conversation with him. The team is hopeful that Stokes will be convinced to join the ODI team for the World Cup. As for Archer, the team plans to give him every opportunity to prove his fitness and potentially include him in the squad. However, they may need to manage his workload and target specific matches for his participation.
The Importance of Ball Speed
The England team recognizes the importance of ball speed in the Indian conditions for the World Cup. They believe it is a significant asset to have fast bowlers who can generate pace. Mark Wood, who had a strong impact in the Ashes, is expected to be a key player for England in the white-ball format.
The Opening Match against New Zealand
England will kick off their World Cup campaign on October 5 against New Zealand, reenacting the dramatic final from 2019. The match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which has a seating capacity of 132,000.
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