Ben Stokes Hints at White-Ball Comeback Under Coach Brendon McCullum
Ben Stokes Hints at White-Ball Comeback Under Coach Brendon McCullum: Ben Stokes has opened the door to a potential return to England’s white-ball cricket under the guidance of new head coach Brendon McCullum. Although no formal discussions have taken place yet, Stokes expressed his willingness to rejoin England’s ODI and T20 squads if asked. McCullum’s appointment marks a key shift in the England cricket coaching setup, as he takes charge of both white-ball and red-ball teams following Matthew Mott’s departure as limited-overs coach.
Since May 2022, Stokes has been a core part of England’s Test team under McCullum’s leadership. However, his appearances in England’s white-ball teams have been limited. He previously retired from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) but made a return for the 2023 ODI World Cup. His last appearance in a Twenty20 International was during the T20 World Cup final in November 2022, where he played a pivotal role.
In a recent interview, Stokes said, “I’ve played a lot of white-ball cricket for England and I’m very happy with what I’ve achieved. If I get the call to play again, then I would say yes, but I won’t be disappointed if I don’t. I’ll just sit back and enjoy watching others perform.”
McCullum, a New Zealand cricket legend, was appointed as the head coach for all England teams, combining the roles previously split between Test and white-ball coaches. His aggressive and dynamic style of play has already brought success to the England Test squad, and now he’s set to lead the limited-overs teams. His first task in this new role will be England’s white-ball tour of India in January 2024.
With McCullum at the helm, fans are eager to see how England’s white-ball teams will perform under his leadership. There’s speculation about whether Stokes could be included in the squad for this tour, especially considering his valuable experience in high-pressure matches.
While fans speculate about a possible white-ball return, Stokes is currently recovering from a left hamstring injury sustained during The Hundred tournament. The England all-rounder is undergoing rehabilitation and will have a scan to monitor his progress. Stokes said, “I need to ensure that everything is functioning properly, not just my hamstring, to avoid further injuries.”
Stokes’ health remains a priority as England prepares for its upcoming international fixtures, but his potential return to white-ball cricket would undoubtedly strengthen the squad for future tournaments and tours.
