Ben Stokes returns to England one-day squad ahead of Cricket World Cup

All-rounder included in ODI squad 13 months after retirementEngland face New Zealand in World Cup warm-up series

Ben Stokes has returned to England’s ODI squad 13 months after he announced his retirement from the format, having been named in the 15-player group to face New Zealand in four games next month as part of their preparation for the World Cup, which starts in India in October. Also included is Surrey’s 25-year-old seamer Gus Atkinson, who has played only 14 first-class matches and two 50-over games in his senior career but whose pace – he is averaging 89.4mph in the Hundred and has hit a top speed of 95mph – has had selectors salivating.

Stokes pulled out of the ODI squad last summer after deciding he was unable to commit to England in all three formats, particularly given his long-term knee issues. “Three formats are just unsustainable for me now. Not only do I feel that my body is letting me down … but I also feel that I am taking the place of another player who can give the team their all,” he said at the time. But with a chasm in his schedule caused by the absence of Test cricket until another visit to India in January he has found the lure of defending the World Cup title England won at home in 2019 irresistible.