England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and captain Jos Buttler are all set to approach Ben Stokes for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. White-ball coach Matthew Mott is keen to have Ben Stokes in the team as a specialist batter.
Ben Stokes retired from ODI cricket in July 2022 and since then has only focused on Tests and T20Is. He stated that playing all three formats of had become unsustainable for him. But with him being big match player, England is keen to have him for the ICC World Cup 2023, especially after what he did in last ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup.
England head coach Matthew Mott while talking to Daily Mail revealed that skipper Jos Buttler will be taking to him and added that even if he doesn’t bowl they want him in the team as a batter. He elaborated:
“Jos will probably lead the way on that communication, but Ben’s pretty straight with all of us. We will see if he’s keen. There has not been a clear direction on what he’s going to do yet, but we are still hopeful. I’ve always said his bowling would be a bonus, but just look at what he brings with the bat, even in the field.
“Watching him throughout the whole Ashes series, he had such a great presence. He’s done it for years when it comes to performing in one-day cricket and so he’s an invaluable commodity.”
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Ben Stokes has been a fine servant for England in ODIs, having scored 2924 runs an average of 38.98 with three tons and 21 half-centuries in 105 ODIs. Apart from this he also picked 74 wickets at an average of 42.39.
Ben Stokes recently captained England in the Ashes 2023 and his presence was vital for the team. He played a staggering role and scored 405 runs at an average of 45 in five Tests. He was one of the main reasons why his side drew the side.
ICC World Cup 2023: England to name squad for World Cup on Tuesday (15th August)
The reports also suggest that England is likely to announce the squad for ICC World Cup 2023 on Tuesday (15th August). The defending champions will be one of the favourites to win the tournament as they have been one of the finest white-ball teams since the last few years.
England is also keen to have Jofra Archer in the team as he has been waiting for his return for a while. The pacer has started bowling in the nets and is nearing full fitness. If everything goes well he will be on the flight to India.