Ben Stokes Surprises with Return to England ODI Squad as Jos Buttler & Co. gun for title defence

Star England all-rounder Ben Stokes on Wednesday (August 16) came out of his ODI retirement in the team's quest to defend their World Cup title, starting October 5 in India.

Stokes - who called time on his career in the 50-overs format last year - has been convinced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (E&WCB) to participate in the forthcoming showpiece event.

Stokes - who retired from the ODIs due to a demanding workload and concerns abound about a chronic left knee problem - will now play for England in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Due to his injury concerns, he did not bowl in the last three Ashes Tests.

Meanwhile, uncapped paceman Gus Atkinson also found a spot in the side as England aim for the defence of their crown in India. England - under the leadership of their 2022 T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler - take on New Zealand in four tune-up ODIs next month.

Stokes has been included in a 15-strong squad that is likely to strongly resemble the touring party for the World Cup in October and November. The English Test skipper could have a specialist batting role after answering a plea from his white-ball counterpart.

Luke Wright, England's national selector, expressed excitement about Stokes' return and praised his match-winning ability and leadership qualities. He believes fans will be thrilled to see Stokes back in an England ODI shirt again.

Wright said, "Any series against New Zealand is closely fought and will provide us with an ideal opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.

"The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again."

Dawid Malan retains his spot in the squad after impressive performances during the winter series in Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh. Harry Brook is expected to make way for Stokes' return.

In addition to Stokes' comeback, England has surprised everyone by selecting Surrey's Atkinson. The 25-year-old had initially started this season outside Surrey's XI but impressed with his performance across formats, particularly in The Hundred where he bowled at speeds of up to 95mph for Oval Invincibles.

With Jofra Archer unlikely to be fit at the start of the World Cup due to an elbow injury, England sees this as an opportunity to test their new fast bowler against New Zealand. There is even speculation that Archer could be taken along if there is a chance he could feature later in the tournament.

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow are set to make their first ODI appearances in over a year when they face New Zealand on September 8 in Cardiff. Root missed the previous ODI series due to Test commitments, while Bairstow was recovering from a broken leg.

Liam Livingstone and David Willey also return to the squad after missing the recent ODI series against Bangladesh. England will announce a separate squad for their series against Ireland at the end of September.

The provisional World Cup group will be announced by September 5, and the final squad of 15 players plus three travelling reserves must be finalized by September 28.

England's white-ball summer starts with a four-match T20 series against New Zealand from August 30 to September 5. Harry Brook has been named in that squad as consolation for missing out on the ODI team.

John Turner, a seamer from Hampshire, has received his first senior call-up, while Atkinson could make his debut in the upcoming series. Josh Tongue, who has impressed in Tests, will get his first experience in England's limited-overs set-up.

Stokes is not part of the T20 squad; instead, Rehan Ahmed, Will Jacks, and Luke Wood have been selected as fringe contenders.

England ODI squad to face New Zealand (September 8-15): Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.

England T20I squad against New Zealand (August 30-September 5): Captain: Jos Buttler; Players: Rehan Ahmed, Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Sam Curran,Ben Duckett, Wills Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, John Turner, Luke Wood.