Former England captain wants Ben Stokes’ exclusion from England’s remaining ODI World Cup matches

The reigning champions, England, have left their supporters disheartened due to their underwhelming performance in the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup. Having competed in six matches to date, the English team has managed just one victory. Their current position at the bottom of the points table is surprising, given that they possess one of the most promising lineups in the tournament.

Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that the England team should take the difficult decision of omitting the influential all-rounder Ben Stokes from their squad for the remaining three matches of the 2023 World Cup. Vaughan’s viewpoint is that Stokes is unlikely to be part of the next 50-over World Cup, and he recommends that England should consider including a young talent like Harry Brook in the playing eleven to prepare for the future. 

“Ben Stokes doesn’t play. You have to make that call. If the English management knows that Ben is not going to be a part of the next World Cup, he shouldn’t play. Harry Brook should come in. Ben Stokes is not going to be playing in four years’ time. So, you have to make that call. High-level sports is about being ruthless. It’s not about the name or how powerful the players are.” Vaughan was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda

It’s now time for a reset: Michael Vaughan

These comments from Vaughan came after England’s disappointing 100-run defeat to India in Lucknow on Sunday. It’s worth noting that Stokes came out of his retirement from One Day Internationals to participate in the ODI World Cup. He further added and said it’s now time for a reset and the team should give more chances to youngsters like Brook, Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson.

“It’s now time for a reset. It has to start in the next game. There is no point we have got three games in the World Cup. Moeen Ali looks short, and Ben Stokes looks short in 50-over cricket. England have got to use these next three games with the likes of Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, and Gus Atkinson. I still don’t know why Gus Atkinson was dropped.” he added.