Ben Stokes Ends ODI Retirement for World Cup Campaign

Ben Stokes has come out of retirement for One Day Internationals (ODIs) ahead of the World Cup, and uncapped fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been included in England’s squad for their title defense in India.

Stokes had retired from ODI cricket 13 months ago due to workload and injury concerns but has been convinced to return by white-ball captain Jos Buttler. He is expected to take up a specialist batting role in the team.

Dawid Malan, who performed well in ODIs over the winter, retains his spot in the squad, while Surrey’s Atkinson, who impressed in various formats including The Hundred, has been included as a surprise selection.

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With Jofra Archer recovering from an elbow injury, Atkinson’s express pace provides an opportunity for England to test their bowling options ahead of the World Cup. Archer is unlikely to be available for the start of the World Cup.

England’s white-ball series against New Zealand includes four ODIs starting on September 8 and a T20 series from August 30 to September 5. The T20 squad also includes some new faces, including Hampshire seamer John Turner and Worcestershire’s Josh Tongue.

England will be announcing a provisional World Cup group by September 5, with the final squad consisting of 15 players and three traveling reserves to be finalized by September 28.

This move is expected to strengthen England’s chances of defending their World Cup title in the upcoming tournament.