Tim Paine Expresses Surprise Over Ben Stokes' ODI Return, Questions Selective Participation

Jos Buttler Reveals Ben Stokes' Decision Timeline for ODI World Cup Return

Former captain of the Australian Test cricket team, Tim Paine, has shared his observations on the return of Ben Stokes to England’s ODI squad ahead of the World Cup in India, scheduled from October 5 to November 19. Paine noted that Stokes’ decision to return seemed to suggest a selective approach, wherein the all-rounder had the flexibility to choose the events he wishes to participate in.

Ben Stokes recently announced his reversal of the decision to retire from ODI cricket, which he had made last year. This development allows Stokes to be part of England’s upcoming series against New Zealand on home soil. As a result, he will be available for England’s campaign to defend their World Cup title in India.

Commenting on Stokes’ comeback, Paine remarked, “Ben Stokes coming out of one-day retirement, I found that interesting. It was a bit of, ‘Me, me, me’, wasn’t it? It was, ‘I’ll pick, and I’ll choose where I want to play and when I want to play’, and ‘I’ll play in the big tournaments’.”

Paine’s perspective highlighted a perceived focus on individual preferences and timing in Stokes’ decision-making process. He further pointed out the contrast between Stokes’ situation and that of players who dedicated themselves to playing for an entire year, only to be asked to step aside to accommodate Stokes’ return.

Stokes, while returning to the ODI team, will primarily contribute as a specialist left-handed batter due to his ongoing left knee injury, which impacted his role as an all-rounder during this year’s Ashes series. With Stokes’ inclusion, England opted to omit the young and in-form batter Harry Brook from the lineup.

While Paine remained uncertain about the choice of Stokes over Brook, he acknowledged that both England and India should be considered favorites as they enter the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup.

Paine commented, “I don’t know, he’s not bowling. Harry Brook or Ben Stokes? As a bat. It would be very close, very, very close. Probably (England are now favorites), them and India. I think the Aussies if they can get hot (they can also win).”

The 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup will commence with a match between England and New Zealand, a rematch of the 2019 final, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5. The tournament, featuring ten teams, will culminate with the final scheduled for November 19 at the same venue.