Adil Rashid hopes Ben Stokes comes out of ODI retirement for 50-over World Cup defense… and the England spinner thinks they should bet on Jofra Archer’s X factor too
Adil Rashid insists he hopes Ben Stokes comes out of ODI retirement to play for England at the World Cup in India this winter.
“We’ve won two World Cups with Stokesy, so we’re definitely a stronger team with him,” said England leg spinner Rashid.
“Hopefully he comes out of retirement. That winning mentality, especially in those big World Cup moments like we’ve seen before, is why he’s so good. Hopefully he’s fit enough and decides to change his mind.’
As first revealed by Mail Sport, England white-ball coach Matthe Mott was keen to see if Stokes would consider reversing his decision.
And Rashid admitted that it would also be worth the risk for England to select Jofra Archer for the World Cup squad despite his elbow injury.
Adil Rashid hopes Ben Stokes will play for England at the World Cup in India this winter
England want Ben Stokes as specialist batsman for the defense of the 50-over World Cup
Rashid says it would also be worth the risk to select Jofra Archer despite his elbow injury
The ICC requires teams to select a provisional World Cup squad before September 5 and finalize their roster before September 28, giving teams room to make late changes. England’s final squad will consist of 15 players, along with three traveling reserves.
Rashid said at a Hundred event at his Bradford cricket center: ‘Yes, massively (worth the risk). He is a world class bowler who has that x factor and has a lot of experience playing in India. Like Stokesy, we are a better team with Jof.’
England will announce their squad for the bilateral series against New Zealand on Wednesday morning, with Surrey fast bowler Gus Atkinson lined up to earn a first call-up.
Moeen Ali is resting for the Irish series, for the World Cup in October.