Excitement buzzes within the England camp, as batting prodigy Ollie Pope expresses his anticipation over Ben Stokes' speculated return to the ODI format ahead of the World Cup in India. On Monday, August 14, British media circles were rife with chatter that Stokes is poised to make a U-turn from his ODI retirement, bolstering the Jos Buttler-led England side in their World Cup title defence.
Stokes had stepped away from the 50-over game in July 2022, balancing an intense cricketing calendar and his new responsibilities as England's Test skipper. The all-rounder's potential comeback is of significant interest, given his pivotal roles in England's past World Cup glories.
Recalling the 2019 World Cup, Stokes' unforgettable 84 not out in the nail-biting final against New Zealand saw England clinch their maiden Cricket World Cup. Fast forward to 2022's T20 World Cup in Australia, and it was Stokes again with a vital 52 not out, ensuring England added another trophy to their cabinet. Such heroics made England the first team to concurrently hold both T20 and ODI World Cup titles in men's cricket.
While battling knee issues during IPL 2023 and the Ashes, reports suggest Stokes is skipping the 2024 IPL for surgical intervention.
Pope, speaking to Sky Sports, enthused, "Ben Stokes adores representing England. His inclusion strengthens any side, and given the knee concerns he's been managing, it's heartening to hear he feels ready to significantly impact the World Cup. If rumours hold water, I anticipate a phenomenal campaign from him."
However, integrating Stokes might pose a delightful dilemma for coach Matthew Mott and skipper Buttler, given the abundance of talent already in the squad.
Ollie Pope emphasized England's existing might and the boost Stokes would bring. "Certainly, England can triumph without Stokes. He's consistently been the man for big occasions, as seen in Australia. Yet, we have game-changers like Brook, Buttler, and Root, to name a few. Every player can turn a match on its head, mirroring what Stokes achieved in previous World Cups. Undoubtedly, having him in the squad only augments our strength," Pope observed.
England gears up with four ODIs against New Zealand at home and three against Ireland, culminating in a 2019 final rematch against New Zealand to kickstart their 2023 World Cup campaign in Ahmedabad on October 5.
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