England need Superman Ben Stokes to defend World Cup title in India

A long-term knee injury is a concern, but Stokes is capable of producing moments of magic

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England superstar Ben Stokes. — Reuters

By Anis Sajan

Published: Tue 15 Aug 2023, 10:56 PM

In England, the two most discussed topics are always football and the weather.

The English Premier League season also got underway last weekend, but the drama over Ben Stoke, the country's cricket superstar, has even put the world's most popular football league in the shade.

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Every sports fan in England now is asking just one question: Will Stokes come out of ODI retirement and be part of the England squad which is eager to defend the World Cup they won four years ago?

Stokes, who had retired from ODIs last July, stated that playing all three formats was unsustainable for him and that he was blocking opportunities for other players.

The flamboyant all-rounder started leading England in Test cricket last year and since then his team has revolutionised the five-day game with their fearless and attacking brand of cricket.

His style of captaincy immediately brought results after Joe Root stepped down last summer and England won 13 of 18 Test matches, losing four and drawing just one.

Stokes' leadership was hailed by one and all even though England could not manage to win the Ashes back with the recent series against Australia ending in a 2-2 draw.

The aggressive left-hander also played an important knock when England beat Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup final last year under Jos Buttler’s captaincy.

But no English fan can forget the way Stokes helped England win their first and only 50 overs World Cup in 2019, scoring 465 runs at an average of 66 with a strike rate of 93.

He was also handy with the ball, picking up seven wickets.

Such is his aura that Buttler is now desperate to have him back for England to defend the World Cup title in India.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid said that there won’t be any hesitation in welcoming England’s red-ball captain back into the fold as Stokes is a proven match-winner with the bat and ball.

A long-term knee injury is a concern, but the Superman of England cricket is capable of producing moments of magic in the 50 overs format if he decides to make a comeback and play in the World Cup.

England fans are now hoping to see their talisman back in the national colours when the defending champions take on New Zealand in the first match of the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad on October 5.

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Anis Sajan

Published: Tue 15 Aug 2023, 10:56 PM

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