Leg and Off: Should England recall Ben Stokes to their white-ball squads?

England's cricket team is at a critical juncture when it comes to white-ball formats. In recent major white-ball ICC tournaments, that is, the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, their performances have been quite underwhelming, to say the least.

As a result, there has been a major shake-up with Brendon McCullum, previously England's red-ball coach, all set to take up the duties as their all-format head coach. McCullum has had success with the Test team, changing the way they play the format, revolutionalizing the same with his 'Bazball' approach.

With McCullum now set to begin his role as their all-format coach in January 2025, the English side will hope for a rejuvenation in their white-ball cricket as well.

What makes the role of McCullum more interesting is the potential return of Ben Stokes to their white-ball setup. Stokes was instrumental in their title-winning campaigns at the 2019 ODI World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup. He announced his retirement from ODI cricket in 2022 but soon reversed his decision.

The 2023 ODI World Cup marked Stokes' last appearance for England in white-ball cricket. Since then, he has not played a game for the country in limited-overs cricket. Following the 2023 ODI World Cup, Stokes has prioritized Test cricket due to his injuries and workload management.

However, with McCullum now in charge of all formats, many wonder if Stokes should be recalled to England's white-ball squads. Interestingly, the 33-year-old all-rounder has expressed his enthusiasm to make a return to the team's white-ball sides if he gets the call from McCullum.

While his eagerness is clear, he also said that he is in no hurry to return and will not be disappointed if he does not. The question that arises here is, should the English team recall Stokes to their white-ball squads?

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Balancing fitness and impact at age 33 will be a key factor in Ben Stokes' possible England white-ball return

At 33, Stokes faces the constant challenge of maintaining peak physical fitness. Injuries, particularly knee issues, have already reduced his ability to bowl more often in recent years.

That said, his long-term white-ball future remains uncertain. While Stokes is focused on recovering from his hamstring injury in preparation for their upcoming away Test series against Pakistan in October, his potential availability for limited-overs cricket hinges on his fitness and how McCullum plans to integrate him into the squad.

Stokes has played 114 ODIs and 43 T20Is for England, making him one of the most experienced players. His ability to perform under pressure, as witnessed during England's successful World Cup campaigns in 2019 (ODI) and 2022 (T20), would undoubtedly add value to the team as they prepare for future tournaments, including the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

With McCullum taking over as white-ball coach from January 2025, the conversation around Stokes' return is only likely to intensify.

Stokes has built a strong camaraderie with McCullum. If there is anyone who can manage his workload and keep him fit to play white-ball cricket, it is the newly appointed all-format head coach.

A hamstring injury sustained during The Hundred 2024 and ongoing knee issues have limited his participation in white-ball cricket. Stokes has not featured in a single ODI or T20I in 2024 and he also missed the recently concluded T20 World Cup.

However, with two major ICC white-ball tournaments coming up in the near future, England may find it difficult to overlook a player of his caliber as they prepare for a new era of white-ball cricket under McCullum.

The prospect of Stokes playing white-ball cricket for England once again certainly offers some hope for the nation as they aim for a resurgence in these formats. It is clear that the all-rounder is not a long-term option for them in limited-overs cricket at this point in time.

That said, though, England should definitely consider recalling Stokes to their white-ball setup for a brief period given the two major ICC tournaments that lie ahead. Ultimately, however, Stokes' availability and return will solely depend on his fitness.