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.
This story is from the August 17, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 17, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LE GOLDEN BOY
Dramatic tournament gets fitting finale
WIZARDS OF AUS!
Rangnick's men stun Dutch to top the group
ONLY THE BRAVE WOULD BACK POOR ENGLAND
Bellingham's frustration shows Lions are struggling
Build a statue to Andy - just like. Fred's
MCENROE CALLS FOR A MONUMENT TO MURRAY
Mu's mishap can be Keely good news
HODGKINSON CAN CASH IN
Toddler saved just in time after falling on to tracks
THIS is the heart-stopping moment a toddler was saved by a hero commuter after falling on to a railway line - seconds before a highspeed train thundered past.
Hotter than Ibiza...30C high is Worthy of Glastonbury
SOME parts of the UK were hotter than Ibiza yesterday as the longed-for summer sizzler hit 30C in this year's record high so far.
Assange 'to admit spying' in deal to secure freedom
JULIAN Assange is today expected to plead guilty to spying in a deal that will set him free.
Moscow's sacked chiefs wanted for war crimes
RUSSIA'S sacked defence minister and military head are facing arrest warrants for war crimes carried out during the invasion of Ukraine.
Trauma of star Celine's seizure during filming
HER face contorted in pain, Celine Dion is seen enduring an excruciating seizure in a documentary that follows her battle against debilitating Stiff Person Syndrome.
