Ben Stokes Open To ODIs And T20Is Exclusive Comeback

Ben Stokes, the captain of the England Test team, has stated that he is eager to play white-ball cricket again under the direction of recently hired coach Brendon McCullum. However, he insists that no such discussions have occurred as of yet because his primary concern is getting well again in time to captain Pakistan’s Test tour the following month. In the 2019 and 2022 World Cup final victories for England, at Lord’s and Melbourne, Stokes, 33, is renowned for playing the game-winning innings. 

However, since the ODI team’s humiliating championship defense in India in November of last year, Ben Stokes has yet to play in a white-ball international. However, England’s selector Luke Wright recently acknowledged that Joe Root and Stokes were still being considered for the next big ICC event, the Champions Trophy, which is quickly approaching in February.

Ben Stokes’s Future Possibilities

Aware of the possibility of burnout amid an increasingly demanding international schedule, Ben Stokes had already retired from ODI cricket in 2022. In June, he also dropped out of the most recent T20 World Cup. Focus on regaining full fitness following an operation on his long-standing knee issue. Since their partnership as captain and coach in the Test team has solidified Stokes’ bond with McCullum, the cricketer has stated that he is open to a cross-format comeback.

But only if it serves the interests of the white-ball team, which has started to turn to a new generation, including this month’s new cap Jacob Bethell, whom Ben Stokes believes will be a superstar. “I’ve played a lot of white-ball cricket for England and I’m very happy and content with what I’ve achieved in that form of the game,” English Cricketer said. ” If I get the call to come and play, then obviously it’s going to be a yes,” Stokes stated. 

England Upcoming Test Series

The next test for Ben Stokes’ squad will come next week when they travel to Pakistan for three more Test matches. In December 2022, they won 3-0, in one of the most memorable victories of the Stokes-McCullum era. Multan will host the first Test starting on October 7, which has been confirmed after several weeks of doubt. Despite missing the Sri Lanka series due to a hamstring strain in August, Stokes anticipates being well enough to captain his side in that encounter. 

He does, however, think he will proceed with care when he rejoins the bowling assault following a protracted absence. Ben Stokes notes that there are a lot of unanswered questions about the conditions that England will face in Pakistan. In light of several factors, including the length of time it has taken for venue confirmations, he thinks England will benefit much from their 2022 tour experience this time around.

“It’s probably not until we get out there that we’ll have a real understanding of it,” Ben Stokes said. “I know that Shan Masood [Pakistan’s captain] has been asking for quicker, more lively wickets for their fast bowlers. The last time we were there, they were slow, dry, and spun a bit. So, we’ve got to go there with an open mind about what we’re going to get,” the 33-year-old concluded.