Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @stokesy
England Test captain Ben Stokes expressed his willingness to return to the white-ball setup under coach Brendon McCullum if asked, but clarified that no discussions have taken place regarding his inclusion in the limited-overs squads. McCullum, a New Zealander, will lead England’s limited-overs sides during their tour of India in January.
Stokes has been a central figure in the Test squad since McCullum’s appointment in May 2022, but he has made limited appearances in England’s white-ball teams.
He retired from ODIs before making a comeback for the 2023 ODI World Cup and last played a T20 international in the November 2022 World Cup final.
“I’ve played a lot of white-ball cricket for England and I’m very happy and content with what I’ve achieved in that form of the game …,” Stokes said.
“If I get the call to come and play, then obviously it’s definitely going to be a yes. But I’m not going to be too disappointed if I don’t – it means that I can just sit back and watch everyone else go out and smack it.
“Me and Baz (McCullum) have not spoken about anything like that whatsoever.”
Stokes has been out of action since tearing his left hamstring while playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred last month. The 33-year-old stated that his rehabilitation is progressing well and that he was scheduled for a scan on Wednesday.
“In terms of bowling, there’s a lot more than just my hamstring that I need to get back firing – you use everything,” he added.
“I need to get that all right to make sure I don’t do any more damage to any other parts of my body.”
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