‘Yeh toh ab fashion ho gya hai’ – Fans react as Ben Stokes is likely to come out of retirement and play in ODI World Cup 2023
Ben Stokes, England (Source: Twitter)
Only two months remain until the ODI World Cup 2023, and all participating countries have started to wrap up their pre-event planning. Without veterans like Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes, the defending champions England will have a difficult time retaining their crown on Indian soil.
Ben Stokes, who represented England at the 2019 World Cup, is expected to make a comeback to the ODI side, much to the pleasure of the nation’s supporters, to help his team’s prospects of winning the championship in India. Ben Stokes is preparing to reverse his decision to retire from ODI cricket, according to a story in the Telegraph.
In order to manage his workload, the 32-year-old declared his abrupt retirement from ODIs in July 2022. However, England supporters held out hope that Stokes will make a surprise appearance in the 2017 World Cup, and it appears that their hopes have been granted. Since the IPL 2023, the England all-rounder has been dealing with a knee issue, which has reduced his ability to bowl, as seen by the fact that he only bowled 29 overs over five Test matches in the Ashes 2023.
According to the Telegraph, Stokes is prepared to forgo the IPL 2024 in order to fully heal from his injuries in time for the upcoming English summer. Stokes will bat in the middle order and play as a specialist batter for England if he is selected. The cricketer from Christchurch won Player of the Match in the 2019 World Cup championship match versus New Zealand. England tied the match thanks to a brave 84* (98) from Stokes, and they went on to win in the extra over.
Jofra Archer is also likely to make a comeback
Prior to England’s second ODI on September 5, all ten nations competing in the ODI World Cup 2023 must submit their preliminary squad. Up to September 27, the teams can still make adjustments to their respective squads.
Notably, the Three Lions will take part in two series leading up to the World Cup: a three-match series against Ireland starting on September 20 and a four-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on September 8 respectively. Along with Stokes, England hopes to bring Jofra Archer to the major event, which will start on October 5, even though he will only be able to participate in key matches. For the World Cup, each nation may name a 15-person roster and may also bring three reserves.
Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this news from England Board;
https://twitter.com/SlayerSystem/status/1691131683637022729?s=20
Good decision
— Dr Jain (@DrJain21) August 14, 2023
https://twitter.com/anupamaasingh/status/1691303040194678784?s=20
https://twitter.com/varun70919811/status/1691132922684755998?s=20
Other teams – pic.twitter.com/0Bpx5uKTcz
— Sandy Talks (@8560Sandeep) August 14, 2023
Country over money? disgrace
— Samrat Jha (@samratorsam) August 14, 2023
Biggest news for Cricketing World .Ben Stokes alone carries the Fame & spirit of collective fame & spirit of Ab devilliers,Shahid Afridi & Dale Styen in ICC Tournaments.
— Sajjad Jani Fan (@SajjadJaniFan11) August 14, 2023
I don’t think he is a great option if he is not going to bowl.
— Varun Bindal (@VarunBindal47) August 14, 2023
