The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced their 15-member provisional squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. The biggest news from that squad is the return of Ben Stokes who had announced his retirement from ODI Cricket but has taken a U-turn to be part of the marquee cricket tournament. However, the Three Lions have not named Harry Brook and Jofra Archer in their squad as of now.
“It’s incredibly hard on some players that are going to miss out. It shows the strength and depth we have in English Cricket and there are other names who are knocking on the door as well,” England selector Luke Wright was quoted as saying.
“With the balance of the squad, and with only fifteen that you can name it’s incredibly tough.”
“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.”
Meanwhile, it should be noted that while teams do not have make a formal submisssion of their World Cup squad for the ICC until September 5, changes can be made to that squad as late as September 28. The Jos Buttler-led side will begin their campaign on October 5 when they take on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The two teams, before the ODI World Cup opener, will lock horns in a four-match ODI series as a preparation for the ICC event.
England are the reigning World Champions in both the ODI and T20I format and will head into this tournament as a major force to reckon with.
England’s provisional squad for the World Cup: Jos Buttler (captain), 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
