England white-ball skipper Jos Buttler praises Ben Stokes’s decision to come out of his ODI retirement ahead of the World Cup 2023.
Jos Buttler On Ben Stokes’ ODI Return Ahead of World Cup 2023
Ben Stokes announced his ODI retirement last year as the main reason was supposed to be workload management. Months ahead of the grand World Cup 2023, Ben Stokes decides to make a U-Turn from his ODI retirement and confirms to play in the World Cup 2023.
As per England’s ODI World Cup 2023 schedule, defending champions England will play their first match against New Zealand on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Before heading to the World Cup 2023, the defending champions will host New Zealand to play 4 T20Is and as many as ODIs between August 30 to September 15.
“It’s excellent news on all fronts, it’s great for cricket to have a superstar like Ben Stokes in a World Cup,” Buttler was quoted as saying by Skysports.
Earlier, England captain Jos Buttler said that Ben Stokes’ return from ODI retirement was purely his decision and had nothing to do with team management. Ben Stokes reversed his decision earlier this week on his ODI retirement and was named in England’s provisional World Cup Squad.
After Ashes 2023, Stokes was thinking about discussing his decision with Jos Buttler. The England Cricket Board did not want to interfere in this issue and left the matter to the skipper. With many discussions, Ben Stokes has been included in the World Cup squad.
“You want to see those players in those major showpiece events so it’s fantastic that he’s made himself available. When a player of that calibre is available again, it’s a no-brainer really that you want them back in your team,” the England captain said.
“You look at the impact he has in every game he plays really, but especially in the last couple of World Cups, he’s the man in the middle with the crucial moment. We’re delighted to have him back, it’s not just the cricket but everything else he brings to the group,” he added.
With his knee injury, Stokes was clear on using the break between Ashes and ODI series against India.
He will be playing as a specialist batter but his bowling techniques on breaking the partnerships will be a disadvantage for the team. But his presence will bring unbelievable stability to the batting order. Stokes’s ability to raise as a batter and in the field will increase the chances of England defending their title.
“Ben and I caught up during the IPL, had some good conversations about what he wanted to achieve in the year, so him coming to me and saying that the Ashes is his main priority, but if he could come through that physically he’d like to be considered for the World Cup,” he said.
“So I just left it at that and said you let me know after the Ashes how you’re feeling. We spoke after that, he said he’d be available as a batter and that was enough for me to just say, ‘brilliant, can’t wait to have you back’,” Buttler added.
CHECK: ENG vs NZ 2023 Live Streaming and Telecast Channel List
The first match of the New Zealand tour of England 2023 will be played on August 30 at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street.
Interesting Links on ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023
