Ben Stokes refusing to rule out ODI return: "Who knows how I might feel towards a World Cup"

England's matchwinner in 2019 is fully focused on Pakistan but admits he may feel differently when the 50-over showcase returns next October and November in India

Ben Stokes is in no rush to commit to returning to one-day international cricket in time for the defence of England's 50-over World Cup crown in 2023.

The matchwinner from the 2019 final at Lord's called time on his ODI career in July after admitting "I can't give my teammates 100 per cent of myself in this format anymore".

Stokes' admission - he also stated "three formats are just unsustainable" - came just months into his tenure as Test captain, amid a career dogged by injury and after a recent battle with mental health issues.

White-ball head coach Matthew Mott is hoping to persuade the Durham allrounder to reverse his decision in time for the World Cup in India next October and November.

^{Stokes has starred for England in two World Cup final victories (DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)}

Speaking after watching Stokes hit an inspired 52 not out to inspire another World Cup at the T20 showcase in Australia, Mott said: "Am I tempted to ask him back for the 50-over World Cup? Absolutely!"

Rob Key, managing director of the England men's cricket, approached Stokes in Abu Dhabi during preparations for the Pakistan Test series but got short shrift from the skipper.

"Keysy pulled me to the side in the UAE and as soon as he said '50-over World Cup' I just walked away," said Stokes.

^{Stokes celebrates winning England another World Cup (MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)}

"Who knows? At the moment, being out here, my focus is solely on this series (against Pakistan). But it's one of those things. But who knows how I might feel towards a World Cup at the time. 

"Going to a World Cup is an amazing thing to do, to represent your country. But at the moment I'm not even thinking about that."

England's schedule next year may assist a return for Stokes. Next summer's Ashes series will be sown up by the end of July before a five-month gap to the next Tests in India in January-March 2024.

New Zealand and Ireland are in England for bilateral series in September which may provide an opportunity for Stokes' to return to the format, ahead of the World Cup in October and November.

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