Ben Stokes has made a shock U-turn on his retirement from 50-over cricket, committing to England's World Cup campaign in India this autumn. The decision, which follows eight months of persuasion from white-ball coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler, is a significant boost for the defending champions.
Stokes, England's Test captain, has been managing a chronic left-knee injury, believed to be patellar tendonitis, for nearly a year. Reports suggest rest, rather than surgery, is the preferred treatment, with Stokes willing to manage the issue through England's five-Test series in India next March. If surgery becomes necessary, he is prepared to skip the Indian Premier League, forgoing a £1.6m payday.
The 32-year-old is expected to be named as a specialist batter in England's provisional World Cup squad, due to his knee injury. However, England's depth of all-rounders—including Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, and Liam Livingstone—means his role as a batter is not a concern.
Stokes was instrumental in England's 2019 World Cup victory, scoring 92 runs across the final, including eight in the Super Over. He also guided England to the T20 World Cup title last November with an unbeaten 52 in the final. His return is a major boost for Mott and Buttler as they aim to defend the trophy.
Additionally, Jofra Archer, another hero of the 2019 final, could return from a recurring elbow injury. The fast bowler has resumed bowling in nets for Sussex and may be fit for the tournament, which begins on 5 October against New Zealand. England can finalise their squad by 5 September, with further changes allowed until 27 September.
