'If there's a player for big moments it's Ben'

STOKES CALL 'A HUGE POSITIVE'

- Gideon Brooks

ENGLAND'S selectors have defended their Ben Stokes gamble for the World Cup, insisting nothing is more important than retaining the 50-over crown.

Stokes' decision to reverse his ODI retirement has prompted concerns that it could impact upon his role as Test captain, given a chronic knee problem and with a series against India early next year.

The 32-year-old, who struggled physically throughout the Ashes, had earmarked the five months downtime between Test series to get the issue sorted, possibly with surgery.

But after announcing a 15-man ODI squad to face New Zealand in September and then for the World Cup, national selector Luke Wright claimed there was no question of leaving him out once Stokes wanted a seat on the plane.