Nasser Hussain explains the importance of Stokes in the ODI team
Stokes announced his retirement from ODI cricket in July 2022
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain believes that mercurial all-rounder Ben Stokes is the "final bit of the jigsaw" England needs for their World Cup defense in India later this year.
Stokes bowed out of the ODI cricket in July 2022 citing that playing all three formats was just "unsustainable" for him. However, he promised to stay committed to the other two formats.
While announcing his decision to retire from the format, the talismanic all-rounder didn't rule out a possible return to the 50-over format and hinted that he could be playing at the upcoming ODI World Cup scheduled to take place in India later this year.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Nasser explained the importance of match-winner Stokes in the current England setup. Nasser's remarks came after England's series loss against South Africa.
"When do you ask him the question? Now? But all he'll say is 'I'm retired'. Ben Stokes at the moment is officially retired. All these bits of the jigsaw have to fit in, he is the final bit because he is that match-winner under pressure," said Nasser Hussain.
The 2019 World Champions hasn't been able to find an apt replacement for Stokes and that's why the team has struggled to win games post his departure. The series defeat in South Africa maintains England's recent poor run in ODIs.
Since taking over as England white-ball captain, Buttler hasn't won a single series in the 50-over format.
The ODI World Cup 2023 is scheduled to be played in India in October and November and the defending champions would love to have Stokes on their side for the mega-event.
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