England Hope Stokes and Archer return for CWC 2023: As the ICC World Cup 2023 is near our doorstep, England’s white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, has sparked hopes of a major comeback. The England fans are abuzz with the talks of none other than Ben Stokes, the all-rounder par excellence, making a triumphant return to the One Day International (ODI) format. Alongside Stokes, the spotlight also shines on Jofra Archer, the speed merchant, as England aims to defend their title in India later this year.
England Hope Stokes and Archer return for CWC 2023
Stokes’ retirement from ODIs last year due to the relentless demands of international cricket left fans with mixed feelings. However, there’s a glimmer of hope that the 2019 World Cup final’s Player of the Match might just reverse his decision. Coach Mott remains optimistic, sharing, “There has not been a clear direction on what he’s going to do yet, but we are still hopeful.” While Stokes’ exceptional bowling would be a bonus, his contribution with the bat and in the field is undeniable, making him an invaluable asset.
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On the other hand, Archer’s path to the World Cup has been marked by injury setbacks, particularly a recurring stress fracture in his elbow. But England remains confident that the fast bowler’s dynamism could be a game-changer. Mott expressed confidence in Archer’s potential inclusion, saying, “There is a high chance that we will take a risk on a proven performer that has done it on the world stage.”
According to England Hope Stokes and Archer return for CWC, Archer’s comeback journey has witnessed promising signs, with the speedster resuming bowling in the nets after a sidelining absence from the Ashes series. His fiery performance against South Africa earlier this year, where he clinched his career-best ODI figures of 6/40, proves his mettle as a game-changer.
Mott’s emphasis on Archer’s importance echoes the strategy England is likely to employ in India. With pitches favoring batsmen, having bowlers capable of unsettling opponents becomes crucial. Mark Wood, who demonstrated his prowess in the Ashes, is another speedster in England’s arsenal that could make a significant impact. Mott noted, “The thing about pace like that is it’s not just the immediate impact of unsettling opponents; it’s the whole aura it creates around the team.”
As England Hope Stokes and Archer return for CWC 2023, it elevate England’s World Cup aspirations, the team is also navigating the intriguing world of player retirements and returns. Mott cited the example of Moeen Ali, who is temporarily resuming Test cricket at the behest of Stokes. This trend of reversals signifies the evolving dynamics of modern cricket, where the balance between performance and player well-being is continually being assessed.
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The road to selecting the World Cup squad involves meticulous evaluation and decision-making. England’s selectors will unveil a preliminary 18-member squad soon, and the prospect of having Stokes and Archer back in the mix adds both excitement and anticipation. The team will then have until September 28, as per ICC regulations, to fine-tune the squad to a final 15.
What do you think? Will Ben Stokes and Archer return to the England Squad? If yes, how would it play for England in the upcoming World Cup? We will have to wait and see.
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