England’s standout performer from the 2019 World Cup, Ben Stokes, has opted to end his ODI retirement in anticipation of their upcoming title defence in India later this year. Stokes had called time on his ODI career last year, citing the challenge of excelling in all three formats. However, the persuasive efforts of head coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler managed to entice him back, capitalizing on his exceptional composure in high-pressure matches and his capacity to influence games on his own.
Also Read: How good is Ben Stokes as England’s Test captain?
His remarkable display in England’s victorious 2019 World Cup final is etched in memory, as he unleashed an unbeaten 84 during the pivotal match and added eight runs off just three deliveries in the Super Over.
Stokes’ overall performance in 50-over World Cup matches is equally impressive. The left-handed batter has accumulated 465 runs across 10 innings, boasting an average of 66.4 and a strike rate of 93.18. This tally includes five half-century scores.
Included in the 15-player squads for the forthcoming New Zealand series and the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup, Ben Stokes will focus solely on his batting responsibilities due to the persistent knee injury that hampered his performance in the recently concluded Ashes series.
Unsurprisingly, Stokes’ decision to reverse his retirement has sparked widespread excitement and discussions among both experts and fans. As we delve into the matter further, let’s explore the top five insightful expert perspectives on Ben Stokes’ noteworthy choice to come out of his ODI retirement.
Luke Wright
Luke Wright, an England selector, emphasized the tremendous positive impact of Ben Stokes rejoining the World Cup squad. As a former all-rounder himself, Wright believes that Stokes’ return will significantly enhance the overall morale of the English team.
Wright expressed his thoughts in an official statement, underlining Stokes’ remarkable aptitude for crucial moments. He remarked, “When it comes to critical junctures, Ben Stokes is the epitome of reliability. I believe he sees this opportunity as a final chance to excel in the 50-over format and secure another triumph. Having someone like him rejoin the England side is a true asset; he thrives in high-pressure situations.”
Regarding Stokes’ reinstatement, Wright further conveyed, “The collective sentiment within the squad is one of sheer joy. The prospect of his return instills a strong sense of enthusiasm among the players, and we are all eagerly anticipating his presence and the potential role he can play in hoisting another trophy for England.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra, the former Indian opening batsman, highlighted the invaluable quality of Ben Stokes excelling in pivotal moments, which stands to greatly benefit England during their pursuit of retaining the title.
Chopra shared his insights on this matter through his YouTube channel, underscoring, “Even Luke Wright, a selector, has echoed a similar sentiment—there’s no one better at delivering when the pressure is on. While others may struggle, Stokes shines; he’s inherently a player who thrives in high-pressure scenarios, a true big-match performer.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
Experienced Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his firm belief that Ben Stokes was always destined to be a part of this year’s ODI World Cup, leaving no room for doubt.
Ashwin acknowledged the pivotal role played by England’s captain, Jos Buttler, in facilitating Stokes’ eagerly awaited comeback to the ODI format. In a tweet, Ashwin shared, “The conversation between Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes worked like pure magic. No doubt in my mind that he was meant to be an integral part of the marquee event of 2023, the World Cup.
Ollie Pope
Ollie Pope, a fellow teammate of Ben Stokes, expressed his strong belief that England’s ODI World Cup squad would greatly benefit from having Stokes on board. Pope also emphasized that with Stokes in the lineup, the defending champions would present a formidable challenge to their opponents.
“Ben Stokes is truly dedicated to representing England,” Pope conveyed during an interview with Sky Sports. “He’s a player of immense value, a genuine asset to any England team. Despite his known knee concerns, he’s determined to manage it effectively. It’s truly heartening to witness his confidence in contributing significantly to a prestigious tournament like the World Cup.
Mark Butcher
Mark Butcher, a former England batsman, believes that Ben Stokes’ contribution as a specialist batter will hold significant value for the team’s campaign in the upcoming ODI World Cup. During a conversation with Sky Sports, Butcher highlighted that Stokes’ role in the side could potentially extend beyond his batting skills, considering his role as the Test captain.
He went on to express, “Stokes’ place in the team remains unquestionable. His leadership alone renders him deserving of his spot. Added to that, he’s no slouch with the bat either (chuckles).”
