Where Will Ben Stokes Fit in England Squad for World Cup 2023?
Ben Stokes is all set to return to ODIs in World Cup 2023 (Twitter)
“Dread it. Run from it. Destiny still arrives.”
In an interview last month, Ben Stokes replied with a big "no" when asked whether he was considering ending his ODI retirement to play in the upcoming World Cup in India. England will not play a Test until their five-match tour of India in January and March next year. Therefore, Stokes intended to use the opening to address a chronic left knee issue that has significantly hampered his bowling recently.
Fast forward to mid-August. The scenario no longer exists. Stokes is all set to go down in the history books again by returning to the 50-over setup, from which he retired last summer, citing that playing three formats was unsustainable. There is no doubt that for die-hard cricket fans, there may be no better news than this. Who does not adore Ben Stokes and his magnetic persona, after all?
Where will Ben Stokes bat for England in World Cup 2023?
Stokes averages 38.98 in ODIs, having aggregated 2,924 runs in 105 matches at a strike rate of 95.08. Although he has also taken 74 wickets, his bowling average of 42.39 suggests that his primary strength has always been batting.
Typically in ODIs, Stokes bats at No. 5, a position where he has come in 52 times out of 90 innings. By batting at this position, the 32-year-old has amassed 1,995 runs with the help of three centuries and 13 half-centuries, giving him a batting average of a staggering 48.65. His batting records in India are also quite impressive, with an average of 51 after six outings thanks to making 255 runs at a scorching strike rate of 138.58.
England, the reigning defending champions, have almost a settled lineup for the World Cup. They will have Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow at the top, and Dawid Malan and Joe Root will follow them. Stokes will automatically come at his preferred No. 5, while Jos Buttler will walk in the middle at No. 6. Since Stokes is possibly back, one of Moeen Ali or Liam Livingstone will get a chance to play, with the former possibly receiving the nod first due to his vice-captaincy role.
Will Ben Stokes’ bowling be equally crucial in World Cup 2023?
In six ODIs in India, Stokes has taken nine wickets at a 37.33 average, five fewer than his career average. However, it would be unrealistic to count on him as one of the main wicket-takers given that his chronic left-knee injury has recently prevented him from bowling at his full flow.
There is no denying that Stokes, the man of the match in the last edition’s iconic World Cup final, will be a major boost for Jos Buttler and his boys, and his return will only mean they are now outright favourites to win the elusive title yet again.
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