Ben Stokes reiterates ODI retirement at Ashes, unlikely to play 2023 ICC World Cup

Ben Stokes, the distinguished cricketer and England's Test team captain, has reaffirmed his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs), effectively ruling out his participation in the 2023 ICC World Cup in India.

Stokes announced his ODI retirement in July 2022, aiming to manage his workload and extend his cricketing career by focusing primarily on Tests and T20Is. This decision, although unanticipated, Stokes has reiterated his decision despite England's limited-overs coach Matthew Mott, fans, and cricket lovers urging him to re-evaluate his retirement for the World Cup.

"I'm retired. (My knee) is something I want to get sorted. (After the Ashes and before ICC World Cup in India] is a good time to have some serious in-depth conversations about what is potentially something I could do where I can bowl without worrying about my knee,” the all-rounder said before the fifth Ashes Test against Australia.

Despite being an all-rounder, Stokes has been unable to bowl in recent matches due to his persistent knee issues.

"It has been frustrating not being able to have the same impact and play the same role I have done for the last 10 years. Hopefully, I can get my knee sorted,” Stokes added.

Retirement announcement in July 2022

Stokes announced his retirement from ODIs in July 2022 with the first match in the series against South Africa being his last game. He made this decision aiming to manage his workload and extend his cricketing career by focusing primarily on Tests and T20Is. This surprising decision has been steadfastly upheld by Stokes.

Aftermath of retirement decision

The aftermath of Stokes' retirement from ODIs leaves a significant gap in England's squad due to his known dynamism and his capability to contribute with both bat and ball. His decision not to participate in the 2023 ICC World Cup has been viewed as a considerable setback for England's chances of defending their World Cup title.

Stoke's future plans post-retirement

After the fifth Ashes Test, Stokes is planning a holiday and considering knee surgery for an injury sustained during England's tour of New Zealand. Despite his ODI retirement, Stokes remains a crucial part of the England team, looking forward to playing in the Ashes series in Australia in 2025.

The defining 2016 T20 World Cup Final against West Indies

The 2016 T20 World Cup Final against West Indies was a defining moment for Ben Stokes. After England had fought their way to 155/9, with a resilient 54 from Joe Root, Stokes was handed the ball for the crucial final over. West Indies needed 19 runs, and Carlos Brathwaite managed to secure an unforgettable victory, smashing four straight sixes off Stokes' deliveries. This heart-rending defeat marked a low point for Stokes, but it also ignited his resilience, proving that even the toughest setbacks can fuel the journey towards greatness.

“He smacked me all over the park. I could have let that define me and then let it eat me up. But it’s what happened, it's been and gone. It was tough to deal with at the time,” Stoke said in an interview.