Ben Stokes hints he’s ready to be back in England’s white-ball team if needed. If coach Brendon McCullum asked, he’d say “yes”. No official talks have happened, but Stokes let it slip. He’s eyeing the white-ball games coming up, while working hard to get in top shape. All this before England’s Test tour to Pakistan next month.
Ben Stokes’ Remarkable White-Ball Career
At 33, Stokes isn’t new to drawing victories for England. He’s been key in two of their World Cup wins. Who can forget Stokes’ game-changing show at Lord’s in 2019 during the ODI World Cup? Or his super play in Melbourne in 2022, leading England to the T20 World Cup win? But recently, Stokes hasn’t been on the white-ball squad. Their title defense in the ODI World Cup in India didn’t go as planned. England’s selector, Luke Wright, spoke out. Stokes and Joe Root, he said, weren’t out of the running for future white-ball games. In spite of his past wins, Stokes backed away from ODI cricket in 2022.
The heavy global schedule, he said, was just too much – he was tired. Not only that, but he also decided not to play in the recent T20 World Cup. His reason was he wanted to take time to get better after knee surgery.
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Hamstring Injury Disrupts Ben Stokes’ Summer
An injury happened to Stokes on August 12 during The Hundred match. He strained during a run and had to get help to leave the field. Fans and the England team were worried. The next day, they found out his left hamstring was torn. So, he couldn’t play in the rest of England’s summer games, including the test series against Sri Lanka.
Earlier, Stokes had pushed England to win a 3-0 series against West Indies, showing off his talents and leadership. With Stokes injured, Ollie Pope stepped up as the captain for the Sri Lanka series, managing to push England to a narrow 2-1 victory. Even though England won the series, without Stokes, especially in bowling, things were tough. His know-how and versatility usually provide a key advantage.
Positive Update from the ECB – Brendon McCullum and Ben stokes
The ECB shared news last Wednesday, September 25. They brought relief about Stokes’ attendance on the Pakistan tour. They confirmed that the all-rounder had his scheduled scans. These scans showed his healing was going as planned.
“His scans returned good results and made certain that his healing, since he got hurt six-and-a-half weeks ago, stays on the right path. He should play in the forthcoming Test series against Pakistan,” said the ECB. Stokes hinted this month that he was unsure about his fitness for the first Pakistan test. He recognized hamstring injuries often recur and that he must be in top shape before returning to international cricket. His recent statements make it seem like he’s doing well. However, Ben stokes might need to take it slow with bowling, considering the physical strain it brings.
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Fitness First, Comeback Later
Stokes and McCullum’s bond has deepened during their tenure as captain-coach in the Test team. On a potential return, Stokes underscored a comeback must serve the expanding white-ball team, which boasts rising stars like Jacob Bethell.
Stokes sees him as a future “superstar.” “The white-ball group getting a taste of Baz’s influence on the Test team is tremendous,” Stokes mentioned in a chat with Sky Sports at the third ODI in Chester-le-Street. “Surely, if I receive that call, if Baz says, ‘want to give it a go?’ The answer will be a definite yes. But not getting a call wouldn’t crush me.”
Eyeing a Return to Lead England in Pakistan
Right now, Stokes’ aim is guiding England’s Test team in the soon-to-be three-game series in Pakistan. In their 2022 Pakistan tour, England achieved a notable 3-0 victory under Stokes and McCullum. This win is of great importance. October 7 in Multan marks the start of the first Test, where Stokes likely leads even with a potentially lighter bowling role due to a recent injury. “A hamstring tear affected my tendon, causing a week or two delay,”
Stokes shared. “But my rehab’s going well so hopefully, we’ll get an all-clear tomorrow to ramp things up.” A positive scan of his recovery progress boosts Stokes’ confidence. Yet he recognizes the forthcoming Pakistan tour won’t be easy due to unpredictable conditions. Expressing his anticipations, Stokes says, “We won’t fully understand until we’re actually there. Shan Masood requests quicker, livelier wickets for their fast bowlers. Previously, they were slow, dry, and spun a bit, necessitating an open mind from us.”
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Brendon McCullum and Ben stokes – Champions Trophy Looming
The ICC Champions Trophy is on the horizon, stirring debate about Stokes’ comeback. Even though he’s taken a break from white-ball cricket, his ability to alter the game’s outcome makes him indispensable. Still, Stokes is wary of hurrying back and is giving prime importance to his health. Meanwhile, England’s white-ball squad is evolving under McCullum’s stewardship. Stokes, itching to make a contribution, is content seeing the emerging players thrive in the reshaped framework. “My track record with England’s white-ball cricket is extensive, and I’m delighted with my accomplishments in that format,” stated Stokes.
Conclusion
Ben Stokes might come back to white-ball cricket, guided by Brendon McCullum. This hint adds spice to England’s readiness for the ICC Champions Trophy. As Stokes gets healthier, fans and selectors gear up for the next phase of his remarkable journey.
Stay with us for the latest on the Stokes-McCullum collaboration.
