Despite grappling with a chronic knee injury, England’s dynamic all-rounder Ben Stokes finds himself at a crossroads regarding his future in ODIs after the culmination of the ICC World Cup 2023. Having initially retired from one-day cricket in 2022, citing concerns about workload and a desire to focus solely on Test cricket, Stokes surprised many by reversing his decision in August 2023 to contribute to England’s World Cup title defense.
The World Cup, however, has been a disappointing chapter for England, managing only two victories out of eight games against Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Stokes, known for his impactful performances, acknowledges that his inclusion hasn’t proven as pivotal as anticipated.
As the World Cup unfolds, the question lingers on whether Stokes will extend his ODI journey beyond the tournament. When probed about his future plans in one-day cricket, Stokes candidly replied,
“I have no idea.”
He anticipates a conversation on the matter but remains uncertain about when it will take place. Reflecting on his current physical state and the challenges faced, Stokes remarked,
“All the work in the gym doesn’t compare to what you go through out there.”
Stokes is currently focused on the crucial match against Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of securing qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Dismissing speculations about an early departure, he asserted,
“Never leave early, never take the easy way out, never leave your teammates hanging.”
Acknowledging the subpar performance of the England squad in the World Cup, Stokes expressed a mix of sentiments after their recent win.
“It was bittersweet to walk off with a victory because everything feels a lot better but we’re still very disappointed with how we’ve gone as a side,” he admitted.
Looking ahead to the Pakistan game, Stokes recognized the formidable challenge posed by a quality opponent and emphasized the significance of finishing the World Cup on a high note.
With uncertainty surrounding Stokes’ future in one-day cricket, the pivotal clash against Pakistan takes on added significance, not just as a conclusion to the World Cup but as a precursor to England’s aspirations in future tournaments. The desire to leave with a winning feeling underscores the team’s commitment to finishing the current campaign on a positive note.
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