Ben Stokes Open to White-Ball Return

Ben Stokes has hinted that if Brendon McCullum requests his return to England's revamped white-ball teams, he would be more than willing, though no such discussions have taken place yet. For now, Stokes is focused on regaining fitness ahead of next month’s Test tour to Pakistan, where he will lead the team.

Stokes, 33, has been instrumental in England’s World Cup triumphs, playing match-winning innings in both the 2019 ODI final at Lord's and the 2022 T20 final in Melbourne. However, he hasn’t appeared in a white-ball game since England's unsuccessful World Cup defence in India last November. With the Champions Trophy approaching in February, England’s selector, Luke Wright, recently acknowledged that Stokes and Joe Root remain options for the squad.

Stokes initially retired from ODI cricket in 2022, citing concerns over burn-out due to the packed international calendar. He also stepped back from the T20 World Cup earlier this year to focus on recovering from knee surgery. However, with a strong bond developed between Stokes and McCullum through their work with the Test team, Stokes is open to a return—if it's the right move for the evolving white-ball team, which includes promising talents like Jacob Bethell, whom Stokes believes is destined for stardom.

During the third ODI at Chester-le-Street, Stokes described McCullum as an exceptional coach, noting the impact he has had on the Test team and the opportunity for the white-ball squad to benefit from his leadership. “If Baz asks me to come back and play, it would definitely be a yes,” Stokes said, adding that he wouldn’t be disappointed if it doesn’t happen, as he would enjoy watching others step-up.

Reflecting on his career in limited-overs cricket, Stokes said he was proud of his accomplishments but emphasised that no conversations about a white-ball return have occurred. He explained that McCullum has allowed him to focus on his current role with the Test team.

Looking ahead, Stokes is preparing for England’s three-Test series in Pakistan, starting on October 7 in Multan—a venue where England secured a historic 3-0 victory in 2022 under the Stokes-McCullum leadership. After missing the recent Sri Lanka series due to a hamstring injury, Stokes is hopeful he will be fit to bowl, though he plans to approach it cautiously after time away from the field.

Stokes revealed that his six-and-a-half-week scan is approaching, and while his recovery has gone well, he remains mindful of the physical demands of bowling. "There’s more than just my hamstrings to get back into shape. I need to ensure my whole body is ready to avoid any further injuries," he said.

As for the conditions in Pakistan, Stokes admitted that there are still uncertainties about what to expect from the pitches, especially given the delay in confirming the venues. He mentioned that Pakistan captain Shan Masood has requested faster, livelier wickets for the fast bowlers, which contrasts with the slower, spin-friendly surfaces England encountered on their last visit.

Stokes and the team will need to stay adaptable, with an open mind about the challenges that await them in Pakistan.