Jonathan Agnew on why Ben Stokes should return to ODIs

[Nearly Sane]

Can see the argument but it's a major additional commitment

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/63616167

[ProfessorDavey]

Can see the argument but it's a major additional commitment

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/63616167

Yes - I think it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain continuous commitment to all three forms of the game. That said I wonder whether we might have something akin to a core plus development squad for less important fixtures and then allow some key players to join just for the largest tournaments. So Stokes could step back from the (I imagine) numerous one day internationals for the next 10 months or so, but still be available for the World Cup that starts October next year.

That might also provide some focus for the players coming through - they'd know they'd need to be seriously good as there was Stokes waiting in the wings. That might help them to step up.

[Nearly Sane]

Yes - I think it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain continuous commitment to all three forms of the game. That said I wonder whether we might have something akin to a core plus development squad for less important fixtures and then allow some key players to join just for the largest tournaments. So Stokes could step back from the (I imagine) numerous one day internationals for the next 10 months or so, but still be available for the World Cup that starts October next year.

That might also provide some focus for the players coming through - they'd know they'd need to be seriously good as there was Stokes waiting in the wings. That might help them to step up.

I think that underestimatea the impact on Stokes, as  an example. It means others are expected to do the day to day stuff but there are others in a privileged position. And maybe that might work for them for Stokes, but will it work for Stokes?

[ProfessorDavey]

I think that underestimatea the impact on Stokes, as  an example. It means others are expected to do the day to day stuff but there are others in a privileged position. And maybe that might work for them for Stokes, but will it work for Stokes?

Not really - as the 'day to day stuff' as you describe has no bearing on the World Cup. I'd get it if there was a meaningful qualifying tournament to get to the World Cup finals - but there isn't. So it wouldn't be as if the others get them to India and then he steps in.

Actually I gather there is very little iT20 for a while now that the T20 world cup is over, so perfectly possible for Stokes to focus on tests and 50 over stuff for a while now until the world cup is over.