Reports: Ben Stokes to take U-turn on ODI retirement to play in World Cup 2023

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 30: Ben Stokes of England returns to the Pavilion after being given out during the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England v South Africa at The Oval on May 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

The ODI World Cup 2023 is just two months away as all teams have begun finalizing their preparations for the mega event. The defending champions England have a huge task of defending their title on Indian soil without the likes of experienced campaigners such as Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes.

However, much to the delight of England fans, their 2019 World Cup hero Ben Stokes, is all set to make a comeback to the ODI team to further bolster his team’s chances of retaining the title in India. According to a report in the Telegraph Ben Stokes is all set to take a U-turn on his ODI retirement decision.

Notably, the 32-year-old announced his sudden retirement from ODIs in July 2022 to manage his workload. However, England fans kept their fingers crossed for a surprise return of Stokes for the upcoming World Cup and now it seems their prayers have been answered.

The England all-rounder has been nursing a knee injury ever since IPL 2023 which limited his bowling ability as he was seen bowling just 29 overs across five Tests in the Ashes 2023. The Telegraph report further states that Stokes is willing to miss out on IPL 2024 to help him fully recover from his injury ahead of the next English summer.

If he gets picked up, Stokes will bat in the middle order for England and will play as a specialist batter. The Christchurch-born cricketer was awarded Player of the Match in the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand. Stokes scored a valiant 84* (98) which helped England tie the game before winning it in the super over.

England also hoping to take Jofra Archer to World Cup

All ten participating teams of the ODI World Cup 2023 will have to submit their preliminary squad for the World Cup by September 05 before England’s next ODI. The teams can further make changes to their respective squads until September 27.

Notably, the Three Lions will participate in a four-match ODI series against New Zealand beginning from September 08 and a three-match series against Ireland from September 20 ahead of the World Cup.

Apart from Stokes, England also hope to take Jofra Archer to the mega event slated to begin from October 05, even if he’s only fit to play in crucial games during the tournament. Each country can announce a 15-member squad for the World Cup and can also take three travelling reserves.