England's World Cup defense gets a big boost from Ben Stokes' ODI return

 Inspirational Test captain's decision to reverse ODI retirement will boost England's batting power in India

England's World Cup defense gets a big boost from Ben Stokes' ODI return

For English cricket fans, the 2019 ODI World Cup will probably be their most memorable moment in the game. It was the first time since the country's debut in 1975 that England had won a tournament. At the center of that great campaign was the inspirational Ben Stokes.

The all-rounder led England to a thrilling victory over New Zealand at Lord's, won the Player of the Match award in the final, and established himself as one of the greats of the game.

Stokes decided to retire from ODIs at the age of 50 and return to management

Four years later, England, who are also the T20 World Cup holders, could not have asked for a bigger boost as they prepare to defend their ODI title in India. With less than two months to go before the start of the prestigious competition, Stokes, who led the Test side to a sensational return to the Ashes, has decided to retire from ODIs and return to management at the age of 50. over format in July last year. Especially due to pain in knees, I had to stop doing much work.

Stokes' decision to return was confirmed after he was selected for the upcoming four-match ODI series against New Zealand in preparation for the World Cup.

Deciding to continue playing Tests and T20Is, the 32-year-old Stokes said last year that playing all three formats was "unsustainable" for him. On Wednesday, England men's national selector Luke Wright said he was always keen to give the ODI World Cup another chance.

"It wasn't really a case of changing his mind," Wright was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. "He was always interested in coming back. It wasn't a case of needing to beg him or anything like that. Once his body was in a good place and he'd had a rest, he was really keen to play.”

How involved Stokes can be as an all-rounder remains to be seen. He was unable to bowl in the last three Tests due to a knee problem, and England drew the thrilling series 0–2. Wright said that Stokes is likely to be used only as a batsman.

He's coming to the World Cup, pick him as a batter,” said Wright

“He's coming to the World Cup and we're going to pick him as a batter,” said Wright. “We’re always assessing that as it goes, but we won't be pushing him to bowl unless he's absolutely fit and raring to go. There's still going to be a period for him to try and get this knee right but it's obviously not an easy one.”

Still, the importance of Stokes as a batsman cannot be underestimated. In the 2019 World Cup final, the left-handed batsman was the top scorer with 84 runs from 98 balls and played a crucial role in the Super Over. He also scored a half-century in England's five-wicket win in the T20 World Cup final against Pakistan last year.

Stokes couldn't have timed his comeback better. At the moment there is a need for stability in the ODI middle order of England. Joe Root's prowess with the bat can always be relied upon, especially on spin-friendly pitches in India, but he hasn't played a white-ball game for over a year. Johnny Bairstow is also ready to return to limited-overs cricket after 12 months. With a mix of Jason Roy and Liam Livingstone, the Jos Buttler-led side does not lack firepower but Stokes' maturity and experience will be hugely welcome.

Stokes has an excellent record with the bat in the 50-over format in India

Stokes has an excellent record with the bat in the 50-over format in India. He has played six matches and scored 255 runs at a strike rate of 138.58 with three fifties. Although he played the last ODI in India in March 2021. Overall in the subcontinent, he has scored 542 runs in 17 ODIs at an average of 49.27 and a strike rate of 113.86.

More than the statistics, it is Stokes' powerful personality that will fill England fans with hope. Be it the two World Cups where he played a crucial role or making the Test team a formidable force, Stokes knows how to step up and deliver.

The ODI World Cup is still the biggest prize in the game and England's chances of winning it consistently have undoubtedly been boosted by the return of their biggest match-winner.

"If ever there's someone for the big moments, it's Ben Stokes,” said Wright. “I think that's what it is – it's probably for him thinking it's a last chance in the 50 overs to go and win it again. Who better for England to have someone like him come back for us? We're all just so happy he's back in the squad.”