‘Bazball’ team gets another boost as their Captain Ben Stokes has reversed ODI retirement with ODI World Cup 2023 in Picture. This exciting update came as England announced their squad for their ODI series against New Zealand.
Why did Ben Stokes decide to reverse his ODI Retirement?
The Player of the Match, Stokes has already bid adieu to the ODI format last year in 2019 after taking over as the Test Captain, citing that playing in all three formats has become unsustainable for him looking at the jam-packed schedule of the England Cricket team. As per the reports, Stokes decided to reverse his retirement decision after England’s team management wished to have his services for the World Cup 2023 title defense.
Notably, Stokes will continue to lead England in Test Cricket but now with no Test Cricket scheduled until January 2024, there is enough room for Stokes to get back into the groove for the ODI format. However, Srtokes was not selected for the T20I series even though he is not retired in T20I format. His last appearance in T20Is came back in November 2022. the reseason behind his absence in T20Is & ODIs is Stokes’s commitment to the Test format & his vision to grow the ‘bazball’ format of Games.
England has announced ODI & t20I squad for their series against New Zealand. Each T20I & ODI comprises four fixtures. There comes the maiden call-up for uncapped Surrey pacer Atkinson while John Turner too received his maiden call-up for T20Is. Josh Tongue, who made his international debut in the recently-concluded Ashes series, also gets a shot in the T20I format.
Atkinson lacks experience in ODI format but his records speak for him. He has played two domestic 50-over matches in 14 first-class matches quota. It was only because of his ability to produce consistent pace that has guaranteed him a place in the ODI squad. In the ongoing The Hundred 2023 he has managed to bowl a delivery close to 90 miles per hour.
Jofra Archer will miss the ODI series & is out of contention for ODI World Cup 2023
On the other hand, Jofra Archer who was hopeful of returning to the ODI format ahead of the World Cup 2023 hasn’t been selected for the New Zealand series. As per the ECB management, he will probably not complete his recovery on time & could not participate in the title defense. He will only be a traveling reserve in India, ECB confirmed.
What Luke Wright said on Ben Stokes decision of reversing ODI retirement
Luke Wright, the England Men’s National Selector, expressed that the inclusion of Ben Stokes enhances the team’s caliber with his remarkable match-winning prowess and leadership qualities. He expressed confidence that fans will relish witnessing Stokes donning the England ODI jersey once more.
Wright also conveyed the team’s excitement in extending debut international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner. Additionally, he highlighted Josh Tongue’s deserving selection in the T20 squad following his impressive performance during the Ashes series.
Furthermore, Wright emphasized the intense competition that typically accompanies clashes against New Zealand. He viewed the upcoming series as a valuable opportunity to gauge England’s skills against one of the world’s top teams.
The England ODI series against New Zealand will begin on September 8 at the Sophia Gardens, The Aeges Bowl, Oval, and Lord’s.
England ODI squad for New Zealand Series:
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes
England T20I squad for New Zealand Series:
Jos Buttler (c) Rehan Ahmed, Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, John Turner, Luke Wood
Also read, Wahab Riaz announces Retirement from International Cricket
