England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes is once again ready to break his retirement from the ODI format. This time his eyes are on the Champions Trophy.
New Delhi. England’s Test team captain Ben Stokes has once again expressed his desire to return to the ODI format. Stokes has announced his retirement from this format several times and then he has withdrawn his decision when needed. Last time he had retired before the ODI World Cup 2023, but when England felt his need in an important tournament like the World Cup in this format, he broke his retirement.
After the World Cup, he once again said that he would never play in this format again. But now that the Champions Trophy 2025 is near, Stokes is ready to make a comeback. Meanwhile, he could not play in the T20 World Cup 2024 due to injury.
In an interview on Tuesday, Stokes said that if one person in the team management is ready for his return, he would happily return. Stokes has played an important role in helping England win the 2019 World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. He now wants to add the Champions Trophy title to England’s trophy cabinet. But he has now put the ball in the court of England’s Test team head coach Brendon McCullum.
Stokes said, ‘If Brendon McCullum wants me to return to the ODI format, I am ready for it.’ Stokes was talking to the broadcaster Sky Sports from the field during the England vs Australia ODI match. In this interview, this world-renowned all-rounder said, ‘This white-ball team (England) has moved very far in a new direction. We have seen some incredible talents emerge, I would like to mention one of them – Jacob Bethell, who I think is going to be a superstar in the future.’
Stokes said, ‘I have played a lot of limited overs cricket for England and I am very happy and satisfied with what I have achieved in this format.’ Along with this, he gave a clear indication of his return here that if any plan is made to include him in the team, then it would be a good thing.
Stokes said, ‘If I get a call (from Brendon McCullum) and am asked if you want to come and play in this format? So the answer will definitely be yes but even if it does not happen, I will not be disappointed. Because it means that someone else has come into the team, who is playing really well. I can then sit back and watch them make a blast.
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