‘Great news for England’, Michael Atherton on Stokes’ ODI comeback

All-rounder Ben Stokes will resume his ODI journey in the upcoming four-match series against New Zealand in the build-up to the World Cup. Stokes had announced his retirement from the format 13 months ago to manage his workload, also pointing fingers at the grueling international calendar.

The news left was celebrated by most English fans and a similar reaction also came from former England skipper Michael Atherton.

In a conversation with Sky Sports, Michael Atherton said –

“Great news for England and their fans who’ll be delighted to see such a great cricketer comeback.

“He retired last July citing an unsustainable schedule, issues with his knee and wanting to focus on his role as Test captain. But the lure of the World Cup is just too strong.

Michael added – “And he missed the 2015 edition so a great cricketer like him comes to the end of his career and thinks I’ve only played in one World cup, the temptation was just too strong. Once he made himself available, the selectors had to pick him as he makes any team better.”

Michael further added –

“He played such a central role in England winning that World Cup four years ago. The chance to defend it, probably his last chance in a 50-over World Cup considering they come around once in four years.”

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