Paine criticizes Stokes for returning from ODI retirement to compete at the World Cup

Angry with England Test captain Ben Stokes for returning from ODI retirement to compete in the World Cup, former Australian Test captain Tim Paine said he could not simply “pick” and “choose” events.

In July of last year, Stokes, 32, announced his ODI retirement, claiming that playing three different formats had become “unsustainable” for him. However, he just left retirement to join the 15-man England team for a limited-overs match against New Zealand at home, which is a warm-up series for the World Cup in India.

With the World Cup starting on October 5 in India, England is thrilled to have the all-rounder back in the ODI lineup. However, Paine said Stokes was acting selfishly.

Paine stated on Sen Radio, “I thought it odd that Ben Stokes was coming out of retirement one day.

“There’s a little bit of ‘Me, me, me’ there, isn’t there? I’ll select where to play and when to play, and I’ll participate in the major events, was the statement.

Paine predicted that England’s cricketers, who had to wait a year to compete in the World Cup, would have to sit out in order to make room for Stokes.

“Sorry, thanks. The people who played for a year. But could you go to the sideline since I need to play right away? “, said Paine.

The limited-overs series against New Zealand will include 15 players, including Stokes, who will likely bat as a specialist since bowling aggravates his longstanding knee condition.

Paine said that Harry Brook had suffered as a result of the England cricket board’s selection of Stokes for the New Zealand series.

The quickest player to 1,000 Test runs on a per-ball basis, Brook completed the record in 1,058 balls, however he was not given a spot in the team.

“I’m not sure; Stokes isn’t bowling. Ben Stokes or Harry Brook? like a bat. It would be really, extremely close.

However, Paine acknowledged that both hosts India and the defending ODI World Cup winners England would go into the forthcoming championship as favorites.

“Probably (India and England, who are now favorites). I believe the Australians can win if they can get hot, Paine said.