Ben Stokes makes a comeback to the England ODI squad in preparation for the upcoming World Cup defence.

Ben Stokes, renowned as England’s Test captain and the celebrated figure behind their victorious 2019 World Cup campaign, has made a notable reversal in his decision to step away from 50-over cricket. This strategic move comes in anticipation of England’s mission to safeguard their World Cup title in India later this year. Stokes, a seasoned 32-year-old cricketer, will mark his return to the men’s ODI squad during the upcoming series against New Zealand.

In the preceding year, Stokes had voluntarily withdrawn from the 50-over format, expressing that maintaining peak performance across all three formats of the game was a formidable challenge. He emphasized that the esteemed “England shirt deserves nothing less” than unwavering dedication, thus explaining his decision.

However, given his pivotal contributions during the climactic moments of both the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in Melbourne last November, Stokes’ exceptional composure in high-pressure situations emerged as an invaluable asset. Recognizing the immense impact he brings, both Matthew Mott, the coach for white-ball cricket, and Jos Buttler, the team’s captain, consistently expressed their eagerness to entice Stokes back into the ODI arena.

He has been officially included in a 15-member squad, a decision confirmed by Luke Wright, England’s National Selector. This lineup is earmarked for their campaign in India, commencing in October. The inaugural clash of their campaign is set against the familiar adversaries, New Zealand, in a highly anticipated rematch of their unforgettable showdown at Lord’s in July 2019.

Wright commented on the matter, stating, “It wasn’t so much a matter of him altering his stance. He had always displayed interest in a comeback. There was no need to plead or cajole him; his enthusiasm was consistent. Once his physical condition improved and he had sufficient rest, his eagerness to participate was evident. From our standpoint, and undoubtedly for England’s fans and everyone else, this is truly fantastic news.”

Given the persistent knee injury that affected his all-round contributions during the Ashes, Stokes will adopt a specialized batting role. Following England’s 2-2 tie in the Ashes just last month, he hinted at the possibility of undergoing knee surgery before England’s Test tour of India next year. However, this possibility seems to have been shelved, at least for now.

Navigating the situation, Wright added, “It’s a nuanced situation, isn’t it? He’s gearing up for the World Cup, and we intend to utilize him primarily as a batsman. We’ll continually evaluate this aspect, but we won’t rush him back into bowling unless he is completely fit and enthusiastic. While there is still a window for him to address this knee concern, it’s evidently a complex scenario.”

“You know, when it comes to stepping up in critical moments, there’s no one quite like Ben Stokes. I reckon that’s the essence of it – he’s viewing this as a final opportunity in the 50-over format to capture victory once more. Who could be a better fit for England than someone of his caliber returning? He thrives on those high-pressure situations. We’re all overjoyed that he’s back in the squad. I’m certain it’ll boost the morale of the lads in the team to have him back. We’re eagerly looking forward to his return and the possibility of him contributing to another triumphant moment for England.”

While England isn’t obliged to announce their provisional World Cup roster until September 5, with the flexibility for additional adjustments until September 28, Stokes is anticipated to be among the nine remaining players from the 2019 championship squad. Additionally, Jonny Bairstow is poised for his comeback in white-ball internationals after recuperating from a leg injury sustained in September of the previous year.

However, in contrast to the hopes of including another 2019 hero, Jofra Archer, who is still recovering and not yet ready for selection, a significant inclusion is Surrey’s Gus Atkinson. The fast bowler showcased his speed, hitting 95mph while playing for the Oval Invincibles in the Men’s Hundred tournament last week. He is now in line for his debut appearances in both white-ball formats.

In the words of Wright, “Above all, Gus has earned his place in the squad. I’m sure everyone’s been closely watching his performances. He’s incredibly exciting and has shown exceptional skills, not only in the Hundred but also in his performances in the Blast. He used to give me a hard time on the field back when I was playing, and he left an impression. He’s a genuine asset to our team, and we’re thrilled to provide him with this opportunity.”

While confirming Archer’s presence as a reserve in the World Cup squad, Wright acknowledged the paramount importance of handling his return with meticulous care due to his protracted elbow injury and the back stress fracture that kept him sidelined throughout the 2022 season.

“Concerning the World Cup, regrettably, time is slipping away,” stated Wright. “His recovery won’t be swift enough, particularly for the initial phase of the tournament. We have a duty to ensure his long-term well-being, as we view him as a significant asset for the extended future. Tempting as it may be to hasten his return for the World Cup’s commencement, the reality is that time is running short.”

In the ODI pace attack, Atkinson secures his spot alongside the likes of Mark Wood and Chris Woakes. The latter two, both pivotal figures from the 2019 cohort, displayed remarkable form during the recent Ashes in the Test format. The left-arm options consist of David Willey, who narrowly missed selection in 2019, and Reece Topley. Topley made his return to the field during the Hundred earlier this month, having encountered a dislocated shoulder during his debut IPL venture in April.

A noticeable absentee from England’s World Cup aspirations is Harry Brook, the emerging talent who has been making waves in various formats. While Jason Roy is entrusted to continue regaining his form following a challenging 18 months, and Joe Root’s prowess against spin deems him a reliable asset for the conditions in India, despite his absence from white-ball cricket since July 2022, Brook will have to present his case from the T20I squad instead.

Luke Wright shared insights into the challenging choice, stating, “This decision ranks among the most difficult ones you’ll encounter. Undoubtedly, our regard for him is incredibly high. His superstar status and the promising future he holds with us in all formats are undeniable. That’s precisely why this decision has been so agonizing. I’m certain he’s disappointed, but with only a 15-man squad, someone inevitably has to miss out. Unfortunately, this time around, it’s him. However, that didn’t diminish the difficulty of the decision.”

Brook will share company with several other players who could potentially serve as traveling reserves for the World Cup, especially Ben Duckett and Will Jacks. The latter currently trails both Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone in the competition for spin-bowling all rounders.

In the T20I squad, Rehan Ahmed, the anticipated successor to Adil Rashid as England’s premier legspinner, finds his place. Hampshire’s uncapped pace bowler, John Turner, also secures a spot, his recent dismissal of Bairstow in a fiery performance for Trent Rockets serving as a timely testament to his capabilities. Josh Tongue, a part of the Test squad during a breakthrough summer, also earns his place in the T20 setup, with the prospect of another chance for his England debut.