2024-04-03 09:39:08
At present, cricketers are focusing more on the shorter format of cricket than playing Tests. Finance or modernization of cricket, all in all, T20 is getting more priority. But England’s Ben Stokes swam in the opposite direction. He said ‘No’ to T20 World Cup while giving importance to Tests.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Stokes will not play in the T20 World Cup. In a statement on their behalf today, the English Test captain has expressed his reluctance to play the World Cup to be held in the West Indies and the United States in June.
The main reason for Stokes’ withdrawal from the shorter format of cricket is Tests. He wants to focus on trying to see himself as a complete all-rounder. With this goal in mind, Stokes will play in the first class for the county team Durham. He had withdrawn himself from the IPL earlier.
In this context, Stokes said, ‘Hopefully withdrawing from the IPL and T20 World Cup will be a sacrifice that will allow me to become a complete all-rounder in the future. After knee surgery and 9 months of not bowling, how far behind I am in the bowling arena! I’m looking forward to playing for Durham in the County Championship.’
England will play a Test series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka immediately after the World Cup. Stokes is looking forward to prove himself as an all-rounder in that series, ‘I am working hard to return to all versions of cricket as a complete all-rounder with focus on bowling fitness.’
