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FORMER Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine has labelled English skipper Ben Stokes’ retirement backflip as selfish, saying it was all about “me, me, me”.
England are preparing for a four-match ODI series against New Zealand, which will serve as vital preparation for the World Cup in India in October.
Stokes, who played the last of his ODI cricket for his country in July 2022, was asked to reconsider his stance by England white-ball coach Matthew Mott and agreed, but as a batter only.
Stokes has been plagued by a left knee injury that will prevent him from bowling.
Paine stood down from the Australian Test side in November 2021 over the sexting scandal that effectively ended his cricket career. Stokes is one of the most celebrated all-rounders in the history of the game, but Paine said his retirement backflip was a selfish move.
“Ben Stokes coming out of One Day retirement, I found that interesting,” Paine told SEN Tassie.
“It was a bit of ‘me, me, me’ there, isn’t it? It was, ‘I’ll pick and I’ll choose where I want to play and when I want to play’, and, ‘I’ll play in the big tournaments’.”
Paine questioned which player would have to miss out on a shot at the World Cup because of Stokes’ decision.
“The guys who played for 12 months, ‘Sorry, thanks. But can you go and sit on the bench because I want to play now?’
“I don’t know, he is not bowling,” Paine said.
England Men’s national selector Luke Wright said: “We have been able to name two extremely strong squads that underline the depth of talent we enjoy in white-ball cricket.
“The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership.
“I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again.
“We are also excited to give first international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner, while Josh Tongue has deserved a place in the T20 squad after impressing during the Ashes.
“Any series against New Zealand is closely fought and will provide us with an ideal opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.” — Dailymail.
Online Reporter