Ben Stokes addresses retirement rumours with a two-word comment on England’s ODI World Cup comeback. Ben Stokes and the England Test team were devastated last week when the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester was rained out. The outcome meant that England failed to retain the urn, although Australia led 2-1.
The washout came as a shock to Stokes and co., given they had been the more powerful team throughout the Manchester Test, leading by 61 runs in the second innings with five Aussie wickets remaining when the rain stopped play.
Regardless, England will be looking to end the series on a high note when both teams return to The Oval for the last Test of the series; however, their captain Stokes made a remark that, while unsurprising, will be a letdown for England fans. In recent months, speculations in the English media claimed that Stokes would reconsider his ODI retirement and make himself available for selection in the 2023 World Cup, which will be held in India.
Following the all-rounder’s match-winning effort in the T20 World Cup final against Pakistan last year, speculation about Stokes’ possible return to ODI cricket increased. In truth, Stokes had hesitated to clarify whether he would make the U-turn, albeit he had not ruled it out.
“Who knows how I’ll feel about a World Cup at the time.” Going to a World Cup and representing your country is an incredible experience. But right now, I’m not even thinking about it,” Stokes remarked in November of last year.
However, England’s Test skipper appears to have made up his mind, admitting that he is still retired from the format and would take a rest following the Ashes series.
“I’m retired,” Stokes said again, according to the ICC. “I’m going on vacation after this game, and that’s all I’m thinking about.” Stokes also injured his knee during a Test against New Zealand this year, and he only played two matches for the Chennai Super Kings.
“It’s obviously something I want to get sorted,” Stokes remarked. “There has always been cricket around when I’ve seen specialists and stuff like that.” So, because it’s been controllable, we’ve just kept going.”
Also Read: “Seems Like Team Has Turned Away”: Ex-Indian Star On Shikhar Dhawan’s ICC World Cup 2023 Prospects
