Ben Stokes in bombshell ODI retirement backflip for Cricket World Cup

Ben Stokes' shock inclusion in England's squad for the ODI Cricket World Cup has been confirmed in a stunning retirement backflip. Stokes last year made the decision to call time on his one-day international career to focus on T20s and leading his nation in the longest format of the game.

But Stokes has come out of ODI retirement to be part of England's squad for the World Cup in India, running across October and November. Stokes cited an "unsustainable" schedule when he opted to step down from the 50-over format for England in July, before playing an integral role in his country's T20 World Cup success in Australia later in 2022.

'HURT A LOT': Pat Cummins spills on Ashes injury amid Aussie setback

'REALLY CLEAR': Tim Paine rips Michael Clarke over 'embarrassing' call

NEW TWIST: Steve Smith pours fuel on fire after Ashes drinks drama

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

Stokes hit an unbeaten half-century in November's final to help England beat Pakistan to be crowned T20 world champions, with new white-ball head coach Matthew Mott admitting at the time he would try and tempt Stokes out of 50-over retirement. Stokes' well documented injury concerns - primarily a long-standing left knee issue - seemed to suggest it would be a tall order.

The England Test captain struggled at times throughout this year's gruelling Ashes series against Australia and admitted that "serious conversations" were had about a potential operation on the knee. With England not due to play red-ball cricket now until January, Stokes was tipped to go under the knife in the coming weeks but could be set to put it off in the event he does return to the ODI side.

England's white-ball coach admitted conversations about getting Stokes back on board for the World Cup would likely rest on the shoulders of ODI skipper Jos Buttler. "Jos will probably lead the way on that communication, but Ben's pretty straight with all of us," Mott told the Mail on Sunday.

"We will see if he's keen. There has not been a clear direction on what he's going to do yet, but we are still hopeful. I've always said his bowling would be a bonus, but just look at what he brings with the bat, even in the field.

"Watching him throughout the whole Ashes series, he had such a great presence. He's done it for years when it comes to performing in one-day cricket and so he's an invaluable commodity."

England name provisional ODI World Cup squad

England selectors have named an ODI squad for September's fixtures against New Zealand and Ireland, which serve as warm-up for the World Cup in India. A provisional 18-man squad for the World Cup features Stokes in a huge boost to Buttler's side.

It was Buttler and Stokes who played a central role in England becoming world champions on home turf four years ago, with Stokes' 84 not out inspiring a tied match with New Zealand in the final at Lord's that forced a Super Over. Further hitting from Stokes would help England set the Black Caps 16 for victory and Buttler's run-out sealed a maiden 50-over victory for the nation.

Stokes has played 105 ODI matches for England, scoring 2,924 runs and taking 74 wickets. There are suggestions Stokes will be as a specialist batter in the middle order given concerns over his body and how many overs Stokes would be able to bowl.

with agencies

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.