Stokes willing to sacrifice lucrative contract in Cricket World Cup U-turn

14 August 2023 , 18:50

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Ben Stokes was England's hero when they won the 50-over World Cup in 2019 (Image: Philip Brown/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Ben Stokes is set to reverse his ODI retirement and answer Jos Buttler’s request to play his part in England’s 50 over World Cup defence in India.

Stokes will be named in England’s preliminary World Cup squad along with Jofra Archer as Buttler tries to claim a third white ball trophy for his golden generation.

And his chances of lifting his second trophy as captain have been given a huge boost with the man who played a starring role in the T20 final last winter against Pakistan prepared to go again in India in October and come out of retirement.

Stokes had quit ODI cricket last summer following a final game against South Africa at his home ground off Chester-le-Street citing a heavy workload across all three formats for giving up the middle game.

Something had to give with his body requiring increasing management over a chronic knee issue that hampered his all round ability during the Ashes.

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However both Buttler and head coach Matthew Mott are happy to have Stokes in their squad as a batter only such is his influence in the team and his experience in tournament cricket when the pressure is on.

In a recent interview Mott said: “I’ve always said his bowling would be a bonus, but just look at what he brings with the bat, even in the field.”

It was as a batter that Stokes took England to victory in the 2019 World Cup at Lord’s and then again in the 2022 T20 World Cup at the MCG where he scored 52 not out in their successful run chase.

And the chance to try again following a break from the game is one that Stokes appears keen to take alongside his great friend Buttler, confident that his body can handle the workload before returning to India for a five Test series at the end of January.

It maybe that his £1.6 million deal with Chennai Super Kings will have to give way in 2024 if he needs a break but a decision will be made closer to the time depending on how he is tracking.

England will name their 15 man World Cup squad plus three travelling reserves this week but can make changes to it up until September 27th with four matches against New Zealand and four against Ireland to be played before then.

Dean Wilson