When England Test captain and swashbuckling all-rounder, Ben Stokes was named in England's provisional squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, the decision came as a delight to several English fans while it also shocked numerous ex-cricketers and fans because Stokes was included at the expense of young Harry Brook. After a chat with white-ball captain Jos Buttler, Stokes decided to take a U-turn on his ODI retirement and made himself available to be picked in the World Cup squad.
The inclusion of Stokes certainly boosts the Three Lions' chance of defending their crown as the all-rounder played an instrumental role in England's 2019 World Cup triumph at home. It was Stokes' three-dimensional attribute that dug England out of a hole numerous times, including the final against New Zealand at the Lord's.
This time around, Stokes is reluctant to bowl owing to his constant battle with nagging injuries. Upon chat with Buttler regarding the retirement U-turn, Stokes informed the English skipper that he won't be bowling during the quadrennial competition in India. As it turned out, Buttler was more than happy to have the services of Stokes, purely as a batter.
"The nice thing was there wasn't any pressure put on me to make a decision quickly," Stokes told BBC Sport.
"Having a chance to play in another World Cup is great, but going there as world champions and trying to retain it is something that was quite appealing to me.
"I had to tell Jos that if you want to make that decision and pick me you have to make that decision on the basis of me not bowling a ball out there.
"I was very clear with where I'm at with my body and what I felt I can offer the team. It was nice to know from Jos that he didn't think to long that, even if I am just there as a batter, he'd pick me," he added.
England will start their World Cup against New Zealand on the opening day of the 2023 ODI World Cup on October 5.
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