Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, is considering coming out of retirement from ODI cricket to help the team defend their World Cup title in India later this year.
Stokes retired from ODIs last year to focus on Test cricket and his mental health, but he is now reportedly willing to return if asked by white-ball captain Jos Buttler.
The 31-year-old all-rounder is still recovering from a knee injury, but he is believed to be willing to miss next season’s Indian Premier League in order to be fit for the World Cup.
Stokes would likely bat in the middle order for England, and he could be used as a specialist batsman if his knee does not allow him to bowl as much as he would like.
He was player of the match when England won the 2019 World Cup, and he was also player of the match when England won the T20 World Cup last year.
England must submit their squad for the World Cup by September 5, but they are allowed to make changes to the squad until September 27.
England also hope to take Jofra Archer to the World Cup, even if he is not fully fit.
Archer has been out of action since March with a stress fracture in his back, but he is making good progress in his recovery.
England are prepared to take Archer to the World Cup even if he is only able to play in a few matches.
The World Cup will be held in India from October 7 to November 23.
