England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes completed his return to ODI cricket with a historic 182 against New Zealand at the Kia Oval. Stokes had retired from the One Day format in July last year, made a surprise change in his decision and decided to withdraw his retirement. Stokes was named in the squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. The Test skipper made his comeback in style as he smashed a fifty in his very first game after his comeback.
In the third ODI, Stokes walked into bat at No. 4 after Joe Root was dismissed, and England was left with a score of 13-2. The 32-year-old began rebuilding the innings and got off to a slow start. He had just 13 of his first 19 deliveries. But he steadied the ship and brought up his half-century in 44 balls. What followed was absolute carnage from the Test captain.
He accelerated at an insane speed and took on the Kiwi bowling attack. Stokes took a single in the 30th over and brought up a century in just 76 deliveries. Soon the all-rounder continued his stunning batting and reached his maiden 150 in 106 balls. The Oval stood up in respect to congratulate the batter for his remarkable knock. Stokes continued scoring before being dismissed for 182 in a knock which consisted of nine superb sixes and 15 fours.
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Stokes’ red-hot form just before the Men’s ODI World Cup is great news for England, who are also the reigning champions. The middle-order batsman played a vital role in England winning their maiden World title in 2019. England are slated to start off their World Cup Campaign against arch-rivals New Zealand on October 5 in Ahmedabad.
