Why Stokes’ decision to come back from ODI retirement lounge is a backward step for England

Ben Stokes suddenly making himself available for the World Cup raises several questions – if he was so adamant about retirement why did he un-retire himself?

Was there pressure from the board and the captain? If that was the case why retire when you know they need you?

Was it a selfish decision or a smart decision for himself considering his body and his fitness so he could prolong his Test career?

Last year when he announced his retirement from the ODI format which he had dominated it came at a time when England’s white ball teams were going through a transition with Eoin Morgan’s retirement and Jos Buttler taking the captaincy in ODI as well as T20Is.

You could sense that it was something unexpected and England really weren’t ready for it.

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England director of cricket Rob Key and Buttler had chats with Stokes to take the retirement back so he could be available for the

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