He very much makes up his own mind and decides: Jos Butler on Ben Stokes’ un-retirement

Ben Stokes, England’s top all-rounder, has made the choice to come out of retirement and join the team for the next ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Jos Buttler, the captain of the white-ball team, stated that Stokes made the decision to return for the prestigious competition, which will take place in India this October and November.

Stokes, who is recognised for his all-around talent, first took a break from ODI cricket in July 2022 to concentrate on Test cricket after being named the Test team’s captain. But he appears to have returned to the ODI arena due to the allure of the World Cup. Buttler clarified the decision-making process in a speech prior to the limited-overs series against New Zealand.

Jos Butler said

“To be honest, it was Ben’s call. You all know Ben pretty well by now – I don’t think anyone talking to him would persuade him. We had some conversations quite a while ago about it and just left it to him to come to me, basically, if he wanted to come back. We’re delighted that he feels ready to come back,” said Buttler, as quoted by India Today.

Buttler, Stokes’ close friend and longtime teammate, emphasised the openness with which Stokes makes such choices.

“Ben is very much his own man, he makes his own decisions. I’ve played with him for a very long time, I’m good friends with him. Me badgering him and saying ‘Come back, come back’ is not really the way things work with Ben. He very much makes up his own mind and decides,” Buttler added.

Buttler acknowledged his delight over Stokes’ choice, and Stokes’ comeback has improved England’s ODI lineup. Ben Stokes’ outstanding World Cup final performance, for which he was awarded Player of the Match, greatly aided England’s historic triumph. His undefeated 84 runs were essential in helping England defeat New Zealand in a thrilling Super Over to win the Cricket World Cup for the first time ever.

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