England hopes to ‘unretire’ Stokes in time for 50-over World Cup

Published
9
Ben Stokes reacts during an ODI match against India at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester. — Reuters
Ben Stokes reacts during an ODI match against India at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester. — Reuters

England hopes Ben Stokes might reconsider his retirement from one-day internationals (ODI) and help the team defend their 50-over World Cup title next year.

The talismanic all-rounder — who batted England to victory in the T20 World Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday — retired from one-day cricket in July, citing the “unsustainable” rigour of playing all formats.

England coach Matthew Mott said that test captain Stokes would be welcomed back to the ODI squad with open arms.

“When he spoke to me about his ODI retirement one of the first things I said was that I’d back any decision he made, but I said to him he didn’t necessarily have to retire, he could just not play 50-overs for a while,” Mott told British media.

“And I said: ‘You could always unretire’. That’s his decision. It’s going to be a World Cup year and we don’t play much T20 cricket for a while, but it will be up to him. The more we can get him is great,” he added.

Stokes was also the hero of England’s maiden 50-over World Cup triumph in 2019 when he hit an unbeaten 84 in the tense final win over New Zealand.

England would be defending their 50-over title in India in October/November next year.

Opinion

Editorial

Fixing bond markets
01 Oct, 2026

Fixing bond markets

THE plan to deepen the domestic local currency bond market by allowing the public to trade government securities...
Call centre rackets
01 Oct, 2026

Call centre rackets

A NUMBER of recent raids conducted by the authorities in different cities point to the growing threat fraudulent ...
Homeward bound
01 Oct, 2026

Homeward bound

FIVE months after Somali pirates captured an oil tanker carrying a 19-member multinational crew, Somali maritime...
Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...