Ben Stokes opens up on his ODI future post World Cup
England’s Ben Stokes opened up on his ODI cricket future on the eve England’s final match in the ODI World Cup 2023, against Pakistan at Eden Gardens on November 11. After retiring from the ODIs in 2022 due to immense workload, Stokes made a surprising comeback to support Jos Buttler and the team’s World Cup defense in India.
As the English team exits the tournament, the England all-rounder contemplates that the upcoming match against Pakistan could mark the end of his ODI career. He remains uncertain about his future in this format and stresses the importance of on-field experiences compared to rigorous gym training.
“I’ve no idea. I’m sure there will be a conversation but I don’t know when that will be. I have used the time between games here to give myself a better opportunity after the knee surgery,” Stokes said as quoted by Belfast Telegraph when asked about his ODI future.
“All the work in the gym doesn’t compare to what you go through out there. I’m looking forward to getting it sorted and not having to worry like I have these past 18 months. From a physical point of view I’m better off than when I first got out here, but physical fitness and cricket fitness are two different things,” he added.
Stokes to undergo knee surgery post World Cup 2023
The 32-year-old, playing his cards close to his chest, remained tight-lipped about his ODI future. His return to the format was aimed at bolstering England’s quest to retain the 50-over World Cup title. Unfortunately, England’s campaign in the current edition in India has been lackluster, securing just two victories in eight matches. He was sidelined from the initial fixtures due to persistent knee problems.
He struggled with the bat initially but found his form with a remarkable 108 in the victory over the Netherlands on November 8. Post the ODI World Cup, he plans to undergo knee surgery, and his future hinges on the success of this procedure. He acknowledged engaging in discussions with England’s managing director, Rob Key, in Kolkata, leading up to the clash with Pakistan.
