Jos Buttler ready to do what Ben Stokes did to Moeen Ali; ask his teammate to back ODI retirement and play in 2023 ODI World Cup

Ben Stokes retired from ODIs last year citing workload.

Jos Buttler ready to do what Ben Stokes did to Moeen Ali; ask his teammate to back ODI retirement and play in 2023 ODI World Cup

Ben Stokes (Image via ICC cricket)

England all-rounder and Test skipper Ben Stokes is an asset for any team he plays and there are no doubts about it. Counted among the world’s top all-rounders, Stokes can single-handedly win matches. Now, as England get ready to defend their crown at the 2023 ODI World Cup, they need Ben Stokes. However, the Test skipper hung his boots last year and thus is not available for selection.

But neither England white-ball coach Matthew Mott nor captain Jos Buttler are ready to give up on Stokes yet. The duo is believed to be mulling over the possibility of Ben Stokes taking back his retirement but it will take some persuasion. Jos Buttler is ready to lead the way on this front as the England white-ball will do exactly what Stokes did to Moeen Ali– ask him to take back retirement. 

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Matthew Mott revealed his and Buttler’s plans for the title defense. The England coach said that Buttler will try to check on Stokes if he is keen to come back. “Jos will probably lead the way on that communication, but Ben’s pretty straight with all of us. We will see if he’s keen,” Mott said to The Daily Mail. 

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England ready to risk playing Ben Stokes as specialist batter

ben stokes 2023 odi world cup
Ben Stokes (Image via Getty)

The England coach also addressed the concerns about Ben Stokes not being able to bowl. The England captain did not look comfortable during the recently concluded Ashes series. While Stokes is still thinking about ways to get ready to do loads of bowling in India next year when England play a 5-match Test series, Jos Buttler and Mott are ready to play him as a specialist batter. 

“There has not been a clear direction on what he’s going to do yet, but we are still hopeful. I’ve always said his bowling would be a bonus, but just look at what he brings with the bat, even in the field,” Mott said. 

“Watching him throughout the whole Ashes series, he had such a great presence. He’s done it for years when it comes to performing in one-day cricket and so he’s an invaluable commodity,” the England white-ball coach added.

Now, it will be interesting to see if Ben Stokes obliges to Jos Buttler’s request or if England will have to defend their title without one of their protagonists of the 2019 World Cup victory.

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