England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has come out of his ODI retirement ahead of England’s defence of the ICC Men’s World Cup in India later this year.
Prior to that, he will make his comeback in the ODI format in the upcoming home ODI series against New Zealand.
Ben Stokes, announced his retirement from ODI cricket during the home series against South Africa last year.
The England Men’s selection panel, on Tuesday, confirmed Ben Stokes’ return, as they announced squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against New Zealand commencing from August 30.
“The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again,” England Men’s National Selector, Luke Wright said.
Ben Stokes played a vital role for England in their 2019 ODI World Cup triumph. He scored an unbeaten 84 in the final against New Zealand and forced the match into a super over before Jofra Archer’s super over helped England lift their maiden ODI World Cup title by ‘the barest of margins’.
England’s white-ball coach Matthew Mott while talking to the media on Sunday, shared his wish to bring Ben Stokes out of retirement to be part of their World Cup defence in India.
“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,” said Mott.
“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.” He concluded.
Along with Ben Stokes, uncapped fast bowler Gus Atkinson is also included in the 15-player ODI squad, as well as the T20I squad.
Meanwhile, uncapped Josh Tongue and John Turner are also selected for the T20I series against New Zealand.
“We have been able to name two extremely strong squads that underline the depth of talent we enjoy in white-ball cricket,” Luke Wright said.
“We’re also excited to give first international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner while Josh Tongue has deserved a place in the T20 squad after impressing during the Ashes.” he further added
England ODI squad
Jos Buttler (captain)
Moeen Ali
Gus Atkinson
Jonny Bairstow
Sam Curran
Liam Livingstone
Dawid Malan
Adil Rashid
Joe Root
Jason Roy
Ben Stokes
Reece Topley
David Willey
Mark Wood
Chris Woakes
England T20I squad
Jos Buttler (captain)
Rehan Ahmed
Moeen Ali
Gus Atkinson
Jonny Bairstow
Harry Brook
Sam Curran
Ben Duckett
Will Jacks
Liam Livingstone
Dawid Malan
Adil Rashid
Josh Tongue
John Turner
Luke Wood