Stokes reverses ODI retirement as England announce New Zealand squad

jatin

In a significant announcement, England's national selector for men's cricket, Luke Wright, has unveiled the 15-player squad set to participate in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Importantly, Wright confirmed that the same roster will represent England in the forthcoming World Cup in India. However, the selection did not include Jofra Archer, the talented fast bowler pivotal to England's triumph in the 50-over World Cup four years ago. Archer's absence is due to his ongoing recovery from an elbow injury that sidelined him for the summer. Wright emphasized the importance of carefully managing Archer's condition, acknowledging his immense potential for the future.

While there are notable omissions such as power-hitting batter Harry Brook and 19-year-old leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed from the squad, both are expected to be among the three reserves designated to travel with the team for the World Cup.

Stokes' reentry into the ODI squad marks a momentous development. His return to the format led to Brook's exclusion, considering Stokes' recent decision to end his retirement from one-day cricket. Having stepped back from ODI cricket in July of the previous year to preserve his longevity in Test and T20 formats, Stokes is now set to take on the role of a specialist batter for the World Cup. This shift in focus enabled him to defer knee surgery that he had been anticipated to undergo after captaining the Test team in the Ashes.

Wright elaborated on Stokes' selection over Brook, acknowledging the latter's exceptional talent but highlighting the need to accommodate Stokes' pivotal return to the batting lineup. Stokes' reemergence in the ODI arena is a welcome boost for England as they aim to defend their 50-over title, earned in a gripping final against New Zealand four years ago. His unforgettable performance during that historic game at Lord's, where he contributed an unbeaten 84 runs and crucial super-over runs, solidifies his position as a cricketing maestro of tremendous influence.

Preetitusam

Stokes, 32, was named in England's latest ODI squad on Wednesday, August 16, as he makes his return to the circuit a year after announcing his retirement from the format.

tarun

England have received a huge boost ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 as Ben Stokes reversed his ODI retirement, and was named in the squad for the four-match ODI series against New Zealand.