LONDON: In a positive development for the white-ball squad, Matthew Mott, the coach in charge of the white-ball formats, has expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming back all-rounder Ben Stokes into the One Day International (ODI) setup ahead of the World Cup.
This sentiment underscores the team’s eagerness to reintegrate Stokes into the ODI fold.
Since his inaugural appearance in 2011 against Ireland, Ben Stokes has accumulated an impressive record of 105 ODIs. His performance has been marked by notable achievements, including amassing a total of 2,924 runs, which includes three centuries. His average of 38.98 and strike rate of 95 are indicative of his skill and impact as a batsman. Beyond his prowess with the bat, Stokes has also demonstrated his bowling prowess by securing 74 wickets, establishing himself as a valuable asset in the team’s bowling arsenal. Additionally, his agility and sharp fielding abilities further bolster his contributions to the team.
In an exciting development, the uncapped pace bowler from Surrey, Gus Atkinson, has received a call-up to the 15-member ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. This inclusion not only reflects the selectors’ faith in Atkinson’s potential but also highlights the team’s commitment to nurturing new talent.
Furthermore, the T20 International (T20I) squad has witnessed an infusion of fresh faces. Gus Atkinson, along with Josh Tongue and John Turner, has been granted his maiden call-up to the T20I team. This decision signifies the team’s proactive approach to embracing new talent and exploring the depth of their resources.
The forthcoming cricketing calendar is replete with exciting fixtures for England. The team is set to engage in a series of four T20 matches against New Zealand, commencing on August 30. Following this, a riveting four-match ODI series is scheduled from September 8 to September 15. These encounters will provide the team with valuable opportunities to fine-tune their strategies and gauge their preparedness.
A significant highlight on the horizon for England is their World Cup opener against New Zealand, slated for October 5 in Ahmedabad, India. This high-stakes clash promises to be a riveting spectacle, drawing the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
In conclusion, the return of Ben Stokes to the ODI squad is a testament to his enduring impact and talent. The inclusion of new faces like Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and John Turner in the T20I setup underscores England’s commitment to fostering fresh talent. With an eventful series against New Zealand on the horizon, followed by the World Cup opener, the cricketing world is in for an exciting display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship from England’s white-ball team.
