Ben Stokes returns to England one-day squad ahead of Cricket World Cup
Ben Stokes has returned to England’s ODI squad 13 months after he announced his retirement from the format, having been named in the 15-player group to face New Zealand in four games next month as part of their preparation for the World Cup, which starts in India in October. Also included is Surrey’s 25-year-old seamer Gus Atkinson, who has played only 14 first-class matches and two 50-over games in his senior career but whose pace – he is averaging 89.4mph in the Hundred and has hit a top speed of 95mph – has had selectors salivating.
Stokes pulled out of the ODI squad last summer after deciding he was unable to commit to England in all three formats, particularly given his long-term knee issues. “Three formats are just unsustainable for me now. Not only do I feel that my body is letting me down … but I also feel that I am taking the place of another player who can give the team their all,” he said at the time. But with a chasm in his schedule caused by the absence of Test cricket until another visit to India in January he has found the lure of defending the World Cup title England won at home in 2019 irresistible.
Quick GuideEngland Men ODI squad
Show
Jos Buttler (Lancashire, captain), Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Northamptonshire), Mark Wood (Durham), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).
England v New Zealand Metro Bank One-Day Series schedule:
1st ODI: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (8 September)
2nd ODI: The Ageas Bowl, Southampton (10 September)
3rd ODI: The Kia Oval, London (13 September)
4th ODI: Lord’s, London (15 September)
Though Stokes has never retired from international Twenty20 cricket he is not named in England’s squad for the four games against the Kiwis in that format. That squad includes 22-year-old John Turner, the Johannesburg-born right-armer rewarded for his performances for Hampshire in the Blast and within weeks of qualifying to play for England, as well as Atkinson and Josh Tongue, who is in line to make his international white-ball debut having impressed when given a chance in the Test team earlier in the summer. The T20 squad includes several players who, while not being in the ODI selection, may still be considered for the World Cup, including Harry Brook, Ben Duckett and Will Jacks.
Quick GuideEngland Men IT20 squad
Show
Jos Buttler (Lancashire, captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Josh Tongue (Worcestershire), John Turner (Hampshire), Luke Wood (Lancashire).
England v New Zealand Vitality IT20 Series schedule:
1st IT20: Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street (30 August)
2nd IT20: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (1 September)
3rd IT20: Edgbaston, Birmingham (3 September)
4th IT20: Trent Bridge, Nottingham (5 September)
“We have been able to name two extremely strong squads that underline the depth of talent we enjoy in white-ball cricket,” said Luke Wright, England men’s national team selector. “The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again.
after newsletter promotion
“We’re also excited to give first international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner while Josh Tongue has deserved a place in the T20 squad after impressing during the Ashes. Any series against New Zealand is closely fought and will provide us with an ideal opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.”