When The Stokes Are High: Big Ben To Make ODI Return For World Cup

Ben Stokes is set to break his ODI retirement to play the World Cup in India, even if it means foregoing a lucrative season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), according to 'The Telegraph'. Provided he is asked by white-ball captain Jos Buttler.

"Ben Stokes is prepared to make a sensational U-Turn and reverse his One-Day International retirement to help England's World Cup defence in India this year, even if it means missing out on next season's Indian Premier League (IPL)," a report in the paper said. 

"The England Test captain now appears willing to play the World Cup if he is asked by white-ball captain Jos Buttler.”

Stokes, 32, is due for a knee surgery next year. The World Cup will be held in October-November this year. And after that England play a five-Test series in India from January 25 to March 11. The IPL is the one window Stokes has for surgery. And that is why the Chennai Super Kings star might have to miss the tournament that pays him Rs 16 crore a year. 

"While concern lingers over Stokes's knee which might require operation at some stage, Telegraph Sport understands that he would be prepared to miss next season's IPL if he needed a gap in his schedule to help him recover," the report says.

The Telegraph also suggested that Stokes will play as a specialist batter in the middle-order at the World Cup. 

"Stokes is likely to bat in the middle order for England ODI side. Amid fears of how much bowling he could do, England are prepared to pick him as specialist batsman, replicating the role he performed at stages during this summer's Ashes series," the report stated.

England are slated to commence their World Cup campaign on October 5 in Ahmedabad against New Zealand.  Stokes was the player of the 2019 World Cup final, when he made 84 not out.