Star all-rounder Ben Stokes has opted out of contention for England’s squad in the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
Stokes, currently focusing on attaining peak bowling fitness, has expressed his dedication towards being a formidable all-rounder across all cricket formats, including the upcoming summer fixtures, featuring two three-match Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka respectively.
In a statement regarding his decision, Stokes emphasized his commitment to regaining optimal bowling fitness after undergoing knee surgery, which sidelined him for nine months. He aims to prepare fully for his role as an all-rounder, intending to skip both the IPL and the T20 World Cup to achieve this goal.
Reflecting on his recent Test series against India, Stokes acknowledged the distance he needs to cover in his bowling performance. He eagerly anticipates representing Durham in the County Championship prior to the Test summer and extends his best wishes to Jos Buttler, Matthew Mott, and the entire England team in their title defense.
Stokes’ return to the England squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 was notable, but he faced challenges due to knee issues, limiting his participation to six out of nine matches as a specialist batter. Following the World Cup, his focus shifted to recuperation, culminating in his return during the Test series against India earlier this year.
Despite his limited bowling contributions, Stokes left a mark during the series finale, dismissing Rohit Sharma with a remarkable delivery. As England gears up to defend their title in the T20 World Cup, Stokes’ decision to prioritize fitness underscores his commitment to long-term excellence.
England, champions of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, commence their campaign against Scotland on June 4 in Barbados. Positioned in Group B, they face stiff competition from Australia, Namibia, and Oman in their quest for triumph.
