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After a thrilling T20I series that ended at 2-2, a fully-strength England locked horns with New Zealand in the opening game of the 4-match ODI series, sending waves of excitement🔥 through cricket fans worldwide.
The match held at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff witnessed the much-anticipated return of England’s star all-rounder, Ben Stokes, who reverseꦬd his decision to 𝓡retire from ODI cricket.
Ben Stokes steals the show
Walking in at number four with England at 80-2 after being asked to bat, Stokes exhibited his prowess by steadying the innings with a careful knock. He went on to create fireworks with a well-crafted half-century that sent the crowd into raptures. Stokes began by forming a crucial 21-run partnership with Joe Root before joining forces with the skipper, Jos Buttler.
Also READ: England star ✨Ben Stokes opens up on ꦛplayers getting attracted to franchise cricket after Mark Wood hints turning down central contract
The true spectacle of the day was the tremendous partnership between Stokes and Buttler, amassing 88 runs for the fourth wicket. During his 69-ball stay at the crease, Stokes showcased his class, striking 52 runs that included three boundaries and a towering six. Just as England seemed to be cruising, Stokes was dismissed while attempting to dispatch Rachin Ravindra‘s delivery in the 38th over.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 in the side.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 with a fifty.So good having you back, Stokesy ❤️ |
— England Cricket (@englandcricket)
Welcome back, Ben Stokes to ODIs….!!!!
Cominﷺg out of retirement, playing an ODI after 14 long months & England under pressure then Stokes played a very go꧒od knock and completed a terrific fifty.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Ben Stokes reaches fif⛄ty for England in his first ODI in 14 months. What a player ♥️
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)
//twit𒀰ter.com/SharyOfficial/status/1700151308018204856
//t☂witter.com/SharyOfficia👍l/status/1700038717568700861
BEN STOKES IS BACK….!!!!!
He scored 50* runs from 67 balls against New Zealand in tough situation for England in 1st ODI match on his return match – Incredible, Big Ben!
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh)
Ben Stokes playing an ODI match after 14 loღng months.
– A huge cheer from the fans..!!!!
— Cric_Talk (@Crictalk7781)
//twi🐠tter.com/tanveercric56/status/1700156494262538425
//twitter.com/Mrdeni൩1234/status/170015🧜4125546103078
🀅Welcome back Ben stokes marks his return to ODIs with a half century.🏴👍
— cricket Lovers 💙🇮🇳 (@Joydip30406345)
Meanwhile, England posted 291-7 in their allotted 50 overs. Buttler smashed 72 from 68 balls, with the help of 5 fours and 2 sixes. Liam Livingstone provided the late fireworks by smashing a 40-ball 52, including 3 foꦯurs and as many maximums. For the Black Caps, Ravindra bagged a 3-wicket haul while conceded just 48 runs in his quota of 10 overs.
Stokes opens up on his return to ODIs
Before the game, Stokes shared h🃏is thoughts on his decision to return to ODI cricket explaining that it was driven by the prospect of winning back-to-back World Cups and ꦍthe honour he feels in representing his country.
He highlighted the unique privilege of being part of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning team as a pivotal moment in his career, underscoring his deep attachment to the format and his desire to contribute to England’s success once again.
“Going back to when I made the decision to step away from the format there were obviously a few things to consider. As you go forward, different opportunities present themselves.When you have a few conversations with the right people and we have the chance to win back-to-back World Cups, when you put all of that in front of you, it’s hard to not be interested,” said Stokes while speaking to Sky Sports.
“Everyone knows what an honour it is to go out there and represent your country, regardless of whether it’s a World Cup or not. Being involved in that 2019 period, it was just an amazing thing to be part of and winning that was one of the highlights of my career,” he added.
Also READ: Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Mur𒁏alitharan picks the teams that can win ℱODI World Cup 2023
