Jos Buttler weighs in on Ben Stokes' return ahead of ODI WC: 'It was Ben's call'

Englands whiteball captain Jos Buttler denied pursuing Ben Stokes to return from his retirement in ODI cricket stressing that it was Stokess call to come backBen Stokes retired from ODI cricket in July 2022 but reversed his decision and was named in Englands provisional squad for the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2023One of the biggest takeaways from Englands squad announcement for the New Zealand ODI series and the World Cup was the return of Ben Stokes to 50over cricketTo be honest it was Bens call You all know Ben pretty well by now I dont think anyone talking to him would persuade him Jos Buttler said as quoted by ICCEngland coach Matthew had Mott expressed interest in having Stokes return primarily as a batter considering his knee injury He had mentioned that Jos Buttler the whiteball captain would discuss the matter with Stokes before finalizing the squadAlso Read Ashes 2023 Devastated by defeat says England skipper Ben StokesWe had some conversations quite a while ago about it and just left it to him to come to me basically if he wanted to come back Were delighted that he feels ready to come back and any time you can welcome him back into the team is greatBen is very much his own man he makes his own decisions Ive played with him for a very long time Im good friends with him Me badgering him and saying come back come back is not really the way things work with Ben He very much makes up his own mind and decidesWe had some conversations around it and just left it in his court Im sure the lure of playing in a World Cup is quite big for someone as competitive and as driven as he is to play in an England shirt Im delighted he felt up to it and could come backStokes was one of the unsung heroes of Englands dramatic World Cup victory over New Zealand When the chips were down Stokes delivered a Player of the Matchwinning knock of 84 to force a Super OverThe World Cup has altered Stokes thinking and Buttler is overjoyed to have a proven matchwinner back for the years biggest cricketing eventI dont think you need me to tell you what Ben Stokes brings to a team Buttler added Its fantastic to have Ben back available Any time a player of his quality is available again is fantastic Were delighted to welcome him back Buttler further addedStokes is set to make his ODI return in Englands next fourmatch series against New Zealand which begins on September 8th The series will be essential for Stokes and both sides as they prepare for the World Cup which begins on 5 October at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with England taking on New ZealandWith agency inputs