England cricket star Ben Stokes has hinted that his white-ball career might not be finished yet. In light of Brendon McCullum taking the reins of England’s limited-overs teams along with the test side, Stokes expressed his willingness to return to the ODI and T20 squads if called upon. Despite being the test captain, Stokes seems eager to contribute to the white-ball teams once again. Stokes made a significant impact in England’s victories in the 2019 50-over World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, demonstrating his value in limited-overs cricket.
Following a knee surgery that led him to skip the T20 World Cup earlier this year, Stokes seemed focused on his recovery and fitness. With England initiating a revamp of its white-ball squads to integrate new talent, Stokes is open to supporting younger players taking the forefront if that’s what McCullum desires. Stokes highlighted emerging talents like Jacob Bethell, showing his respect for the potential of the next generation of cricketers. He mentioned that he is content with his achievements in white-ball cricket and is willing to step aside to let others shine.
Stokes acknowledged his positive relationship with McCullum in the test set-up but noted that discussions about his involvement in the limited-overs formats have not taken place yet. For now, Stokes is putting his focus on preparing for the upcoming test series against Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of aligning England’s cricketing ethos across all three formats under McCullum’s leadership. Stokes seems pleased with the consistency in messaging and strategy among the different teams despite their varied formats.
As Stokes prepares for the test tour and awaits any potential discussions about his white-ball career, he remains committed to supporting the team in whichever capacity he is needed. With his experience and talent, Stokes could provide a valuable asset to England’s white-ball squads if given the opportunity.