Ben Stokes’ Potential Return to England’s ODI Side Ahead of the Champions Trophy

The third ODI between England and Australia at Chester-le-Street offered a glimpse of the depth in England’s white-ball side, but it also revealed a potential dilemma. England’s stand-in captain Harry Brook acknowledged that having only three specialist seamers limited their options in the field. This shortage pointed to a familiar figure who could solve the problem — Ben Stokes.

Currently recovering from a hamstring injury, Stokes has expressed his willingness to return to white-ball cricket if called upon. When asked if he would rejoin England’s ODI setup ahead of the Champions Trophy, Stokes stated, “It’s definitely going to be a yes.” While no formal conversations have occurred with head coach Brendon McCullum, Stokes’ return could significantly strengthen England’s chances at the tournament.

Balancing Stokes’ Return and His Long-Term Fitness

There are valid concerns surrounding Stokes’ fitness and his ability to manage a heavy workload. At 33, Stokes has already stepped away from one format, citing concerns over burnout. His hamstring injury caused him to miss the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, and England will need to manage his workload carefully on the upcoming Test tour of Pakistan. While his contribution to England’s two World Cup victories in 2019 and 2022 is undeniable, some might argue that his focus should be on the Ashes in 2025-26, a series that will demand his full attention and physical capacity.

Yet, with the Champions Trophy on the horizon, McCullum might be tempted to bring Stokes back into the fold. The tournament offers a golden opportunity for England to reassert themselves on the world stage after recent struggles in white-ball cricket. Stokes’ return could be the catalyst they need to reignite their fortunes.

Value of Stokes to England’s ODI Setup

Every major cricketing nation is expected to field its best players at the Champions Trophy, and for England, leaving out someone of Stokes’ calibre could be seen as a missed opportunity. With just one Test match scheduled between December and June, the workload for Stokes during this period would be manageable. Should England reach the final, he would play only eight ODIs in total, giving him ample time to rest and recover before any major Test series.

With Stokes fit and available, England would have the flexibility in their bowling attack that most teams can only dream of. He could support the pace battery of Jofra Archer, Matthew Potts, and Gus Atkinson, providing the team with up to 40 overs of seam options in each match. The presence of Adil Rashid alongside spin-bowling all-rounders like Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell would offer further versatility, allowing England to adjust their game plan depending on conditions.

Stokes the Batsman: Adding Balance to the Middle Order

While Stokes’ bowling would enhance England’s depth, his batting remains his greatest asset in white-ball cricket. Last year, Stokes returned to the ODI side as a specialist batsman, where he averaged 59.9 across nine matches with a strike rate of 99. This included a record-breaking 182 against New Zealand, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.

Given the rise of Harry Brook, who scored his maiden ODI century in Chester-le-Street, Stokes would likely slot into the No 5 position in the batting order. His inclusion would add a left-handed option to the middle order, balancing a lineup otherwise dominated by right-handers. Moreover, Stokes’ presence would provide a steadying influence, capable of adapting his game to suit the match situation — whether that’s attacking spin or anchoring the innings during a tricky chase.

Looking Ahead to the 2027 World Cup

Even with Stokes potentially returning for the Champions Trophy, England must consider the future. Developing seam-bowling all-rounders will be crucial for the 2027 World Cup in southern Africa, where conditions will likely favour pace. While Brydon Carse has shown promise with the bat, he may not yet be suited to the No 7 position in ODI cricket. The fitness of Jamie Overton, who was recently trialled as a specialist batsman in T20s, will be pivotal in the coming years. Sam Curran’s role as a genuine all-rounder will also need to evolve, particularly if Rashid retires and England opt for a pace-heavy attack.

As England rebuild their white-ball side, the Champions Trophy presents an opportunity to cement their status as one of the world’s best teams. With McCullum at the helm and Stokes potentially returning, this tournament could be the start of something special. For now, though, the focus remains on ensuring that England fields the strongest possible XI — and few would argue that Stokes doesn’t belong in that lineup.