England Test Team captain Ben Stokes retired from ODI cricket in July 2022 and confirmed his intentions that, he will not participate in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.
Following the completion of Ashes 2023, Stokes repeated his desire to remain retired, seeking to maintain his fitness for the forthcoming Test series in India, due to resume on January 25, 2024.
However, Matthew Mott, the coach for England’s white-ball cricket, voiced his optimism for Stokes to return to the 50-overs format. Mott stressed Stokes’ ability to make a substantial effect.
He lauded the player, underlining the essential importance his bowling could play for the team. Mott also highlighted that Stokes’ batting talent has the power to shift the course of a game, drawing parallels to his spectacular performance in the 2019 ODI World Cup final against New Zealand.
“Jos will probably lead the way on that communication, but Ben’s pretty straight with all of us. 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.”
“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,” Mott was quoted as saying by ICC.
The current title holders, England, are set to face New Zealand, who reached the World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019, in their first match of the tournament. Prior to this, the selection committee has a deadline of September 5 to provide a Provincial squad, while the final roster of players must be submitted by September 27.
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