England test captain Ben Stokes has opened the probability of his return to white-ball cricket under head coach Brendon McCullum. After missing a home test series against Sri Lanka, Ben Stokes has been named in the England squad for Pakistan tests.
Ben Stokes who is currently aiming for the test return in the upcoming test series against Pakistan, Stokes revealed that if McCullum approached him for a whiteball series return, he would likely say yes.
Stokes has played a crucial role in the 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s and the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne. But he hasn’t played in a white ball international since England’s defeat in the ODI World Cup 2023.
Recently, England selector Luke Wright stated that Stokes and Joe Root will be taken into account for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025.
Stokes previously retired from ODI cricket in 2022 as he was concerned about burnout due to a packed international schedule. He also withdrew from the most recent T20 World Cup due to a knee injury.
However, his relationship with McCullum developed through their work together in the Test squad, Stokes has revealed that he’s open to a white ball return.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for the white-ball team to experience what Baz [McCullum] has brought to the Test team,” said Stokes.
“He’s an incredible coach who speaks with utter commitment, and it’s nice to have all three teams now with the same messaging and philosophies towards cricket.”
“I’ve played a lot of white-ball cricket for England, and I’m very happy with what I’ve achieved in that form of the game,” he added. “But to be honest, we’ve not even spoken about anything like that whatsoever. I think he’s just letting me concentrate on what I need to concentrate on, especially around the Test team.”
“If I am part of the white-ball teams’ plans going forward in any way, shape or form then great,” said Stokes. “If I get the call, saying ‘do you want to come and play?’ It’s going to be a ‘yes’.”
For now, Stokes will be aiming to return for the test team ahead of test tour against Pakistan. Stokes and McCullum’s side made a stunning historic 3-0 sweep in Pakistan during the 2022 season.
The three-match test tour between England and Pakistan will begin on October 07 at Multan Cricket Stadium.
