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England Test captain Ben Stokes has left the door open for a surprising comeback to white-ball cricket, just months after announcing his retirement from the format.
Ben Stokes hints at possible return to White-Ball cricket
Stokes, who last played limited-overs cricket for England during their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign in India, has hinted that he would be open to reconsidering his decision if the new head coach, Brendon McCullum, expresses interest in bringing him back. Stokes has been highly impressed by McCullum's successful transformation of the England Test team and is keen to be part of his plans for the limited-overs squads. With England scheduled to tour India in January, Stokes has declared that he would return to white-ball cricket if Brendon McCullum deems him necessary.
"If I get the call and (Baz) says, 'Do you want to come and play?' Then obviously, it's definitely going to be a yes. But, I'm not going to be too disappointed if I don't, because I can just sit back and watch everyone else go out and smack it," Stokes told Sky Sports.
Ben Stokes prioritises Test cricket
For the time being, Ben Stokes remains fully committed to leading England's Test team. With an upcoming series against Pakistan, his immediate focus is on strengthening the Test side's performance.
"I've played a lot of white-ball cricket for England, and I'm very happy with what I've achieved in that form of the game. But to be honest, we've not even spoken about anything like that whatsoever. I think he's just letting me concentrate on what I need to concentrate on, especially around the Test team," he added.
Stokes Praises McCullum's impact
Ben Stokes has expressed his admiration for Brendon McCullum's transformative influence on the England Test team since taking over as head coach. Stokes is enthusiastic about the possibility of similar strategies and approaches being implemented in the white-ball format.
"It's an amazing opportunity for the white-ball team to experience what Baz has brought to the Test team. He's an incredible coach who speaks with utter commitment, and it's nice to have all three teams now with the same messaging and the same philosophies towards playing cricket," he concluded.
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