Ashish Ranjan
All nations have begun finalising their preparations for the ODI World Cup 2023, which will commence in just two months. Without experienced campaigners such as Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes, the defending champions England face a daunting mission defending their title in India.
Ben Stokes, to the delight of England’s fans, is set to return to the ODI squad in order to bolster his team’s prospects of retaining the championship in India. According to a report in the Telegraph, Ben Stokes is about to reverse his decision to retire from ODI cricket.
Notably, the 32-year-old cricketer abruptly announced his retirement from ODIs in July 2022 in order to manage his workload. However, England supporters held out hope that Stokes would return for the upcoming World Cup, and it appears that their prayers have been answered.
Since the IPL 2023, the England all-rounder has been nursing a knee injury that has limited his bowling ability, as he was only able to bowl 29 overs across five Tests in the Ashes 2023. The Telegraph report adds that Stokes is willing to miss IPL 2024 in order to completely recover from his injury before the upcoming English summer.
If selected, Stokes will bat in the middle order and perform as a specialist batter for England. In the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand, the Christchurch-born cricketer was named the match’s MVP. Stokes’ valiant innings of 84* (98) enabled England tie the game before prevailing in the super over.
England hoping return of Jofra Archer
Before England’s next ODI on September 5, all ten teams competing in the ODI World Cup 2023 will have to submit their preliminary squads for the tournament. The teams are permitted to make additional roster adjustments until September 27.
Before the World Cup, the Three Lions will play a four-match ODI series against New Zealand commencing on September 8 and a three-match series against Ireland beginning on September 20.
In addition to Stokes, England hopes to bring Jofra Archer to the October 5 mega event, despite the fact that he will only be able to play in crucial contests. Each nation may name a 15-man World Cup roster and may also bring three travelling reserves.
