Ben Stokes open to white-ball comeback under Brendon McCullum – Times of India

Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: England Test captain Ben Stokes stated that there have been no discussions regarding his returning to the limited overs squads, but he would be open to returning to the white-ball setup under new coach Brendon McCullum if asked.
Following Matthew Mott’s departure as limited-overs coach in July, McCullum was named head coach of all formats after two years of having different coaches for the white and red-ball teams.
When England tour India in January, the New Zealander will be in command of the limited-overs teams.
Stokes has played seldom for England’s white-ball teams, but he has been an integral member of the Test team since McCullum assumed leadership in May 2022.
He last participated in a Twenty20 international match during the World Cup final in November 2022. Prior to returning for the ODI World Cup last year, he had retired from one-day internationals.
“I’ve played a lot of white-ball cricket for England and I’m very happy and content with what I’ve achieved in that form of the game …,” Stokes told Sky Sports on Tuesday as per Reuters.
“If I get the call to come and play, then obviously it’s definitely going to be a yes. But I’m not going to be too disappointed if I don’t – it means that I can just sit back and watch everyone else go out and smack it.
“Me and Baz (McCullum) have not spoken about anything like that whatsoever.”
Since rupturing his left hamstring during the Northern Superchargers’ game in The Hundred last month, Stokes has been out. The 33-year-old reported that his recovery was proceeding smoothly and that he will have a scan on Wednesday.
“In terms of bowling, there’s a lot more than just my hamstring that I need to get back firing – you use everything,” he added. “I need to get that all right to make sure I don’t do any more damage to any other parts of my body.”