Ben Stokes has once again hinted at a return to ODI cricket, expressing his desire to play for the England team in the ICC Champions Trophy. He also revealed the one person whose request could bring him back into the team.
Ben Stokes hinted at a possible comeback in ODI cricket
England Test captain Ben Stokes, who retired from ODI cricket, has suggested he might come out of retirement from white-ball cricket. However, he stated that his return to the team would only be at the behest of one person. Stokes retired from ODI cricket after the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and, due to injury, was unable to participate in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Now, he has hinted at a possible comeback for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Ben Stokes brilliant performance in ICC Mega Events
Ben Stokes performed brilliantly in both the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, playing a key role in England’s victories. Though he is still not fully fit, he has expressed his desire to play in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Stokes said that if the team’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, wants him to return, he would consider it.
During an interview at the third ODI between England and Australia, Ben Stokes said, “This white-ball team has progressed a lot. I’ve seen some incredible talents emerging in the team. One of these players is truly remarkable, and I believe Jacob Bethell is an upcoming superstar.”
Stokes further added,
“I’ve achieved a great deal in limited-overs cricket, and I’m content with that. But if I’m asked to rejoin the team, it would bring me great joy. If I get a call from Brendon McCullum asking, ‘Do you want to come and play?’ my answer would definitely be ‘yes.’ If the circumstances don’t favor it and I’m not included, I won’t be disappointed. It would simply mean there are great players in the team performing well. I can sit back and enjoy the game, watching others go out and have a blast.”