Ben Stokes to come out of ODI retirement for Cricket World Cup
England's Ben Stokes at the Kia Oval, London on July 12, 2022.
PA
Ben Stokes is expected to come out of one-day international (ODI) retirement for the Cricket World Cup in India, which kicks off this October.
Though the England all-rounder retired last summer, Stokes is predicted to bolster the side in its defence of the World Cup.
The 15 man squad for the four match series against New Zealand in September is set to be confirmed on Wednesday.
When announcing his retirement, Stokes, 32, had said it was unsustainable to play all three formats of the sport.
England's Ben Stokes hits a four as he bats during the third one day international match at Edgbaston, Birmingham on July 13, 2021.
PA
Stokes continued to play in T20 internationals and captains the England test team.
As recently as June 26, Stokes dismissed the prospect of returning to the ODI fold.
Stokes told reporters: "I remain retired from the ODIs and will not reverse it."
He added: "[My knee] is something I want to get sorted. [Between the Ashes and India] is a good time to have some serious in-depth conversations about what is potentially something I could do where I can bowl without worrying about my knee."
England's Ben Stokes leaves the pitch after being caught LBW during the first one day international match at the Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street on July 19, 2022.
PA
Still nursing an injured left knee, Stokes would be expected to take part in the World Cup as a specialist batter.
England white-ball coach Matthew Mott told the Daily Mail that ODI captain Jos Butler had been attempting to lure Stokes back to the team.
On Monday, many newspapers reported that Stokes was seriously considering the request.
Stokes took home man of the match in the final when England triumphed over New Zealand to win the World Cup for the first time in 2019.
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England's Ben Stokes celebrates winning the T20 World Cup Final match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on November 13, 2022.
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A character for high pressure occasions, Stokes also put in a match winning performance in the final of the T20 World Cup in November 2022.
England officially name their squad for the New Zealand ODIs, played between 8-15 September, at 10:00 am on Wednesday.
Though England play three ODIs against Ireland at the end of September, it is expected that many first-choice players will be rested.
In his ODI career, Stokes has played 105 matches to date and scored 2,924 runs with an average of 39.
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