Rishika Aradhya, Pune
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Wednesday that England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes has changed his decision to retire from one-day internationals (ODIs) and has been named to the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Two months after being named England’s test captain, Stokes withdrew from one-day internationals in July. As a result of the switch, he is now eligible to participate in England’s 50-over World Cup defense in October and November.
In a statement to the press, national selector Luke Wright stated that he is convinced that every fan would love seeing Stokes return in an England ODI shirt.
Stokes, 32, was named Player of the Match after England’s thrilling Super Over victory over New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup final on home soil.
He also hit a match-winning unbroken 52 to help England win the Twenty20 World Cup last year in Melbourne, defeating Pakistan.
Stokes’ ongoing left knee issue, which resurfaced this year, is still a cause for concern. In July, when England came back from a 2-0 deficit against Australia to draw the series at 2-2, he did not bowl in the next three Ashes tests.
White-ball coach Matthew Mott had stated that Stokes would be welcomed back into the ODI squad.
Since his debut against Ireland in 2011, Stokes has played 105 One-Day Internationals, amassing 2,924 runs, including three centuries, at an average of 38.98 and a strike rate of 95. He also has 74 wickets and is one of the team’s best fielders.
Gus Atkinson, an uncapped Surrey speed bowler, was also named to the 15-man ODI squad for the New Zealand series, while Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and John Turner were named to the T20I squad for the first time.
Beginning on August 30, England will play New Zealand in a four-match T20 series. From September 8–15, England will play New Zealand in a four-match ODI series.
On October 5, they will face New Zealand in their World Cup opener in Ahmedabad, India.