It’s a big news week. Ben will come out of ODI retirement to play in the upcoming home series against New Zealand.
Rumours of Ben’s return emerged in the press earlier this week. The media speculation was confirmed when the ECB announced their 15-player squad to face New Zealand in September.
England Selector Luke Wright indicated that this squad would be the one travelling to the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in India. If Wright's comments prove correct after the New Zealand series, Ben will then go on to the World Cup starting in October.
Ben announced his ODI retirement in 2022, saying playing three formats of cricket was “unsustainable.” On 19 July, at Chester-le-Street, Ben signed off on his ODI career against South Africa.
On his return, it is expected Ben will play as a specialist batter.
Ben’s batting record in ODI’s currently stands at 2924 runs (AVG. 38.98) from ninety innings. His run tally includes three centuries and twenty-one half-centuries with a highest score of 102* made against Australia in 2017.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
