Ben Stokes ready for England white-ball return under coach Brendon McCullum

England Test captain Ben Stokes has opened the door to a possible return to white-ball cricket under coach Brendon McCullum, though no formal talks have occurred. Stokes emphasises his current focus on the upcoming Test series in Pakistan.

In Short

• Ben Stokes hints at white-ball return under Brendon McCullum
• Stokes has storied history with England's limited-overs squads
• Stokes' focus remains on regaining fitness for Pakistan series

England Test captain Ben Stokes has hinted at a potential return to the national white-ball teams under the guidance of coach Brendon McCullum, but he emphasizes that no formal discussions have yet taken place. Despite his focus on regaining fitness for the upcoming Test series in Pakistan, Stokes revealed that should McCullum approach him, he would likely say yes.

Stokes, 33, has a storied history with England's limited-overs squads, including pivotal roles in the 2019 World Cup final at Lord's and the 2022 T20 World Cup final in Melbourne. However, he hasn't played in a white-ball international since the team's disappointing exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Recently, England selector Luke Wright stated that Stokes and Joe Root would remain on the radar for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025.

Stokes previously retired from ODI cricket in 2022, citing concerns over burnout due to a packed international schedule. He also withdrew from the most recent T20 World Cup to focus on recovering from knee surgery. However, with his strong relationship with McCullum—developed through their work together in the Test squad—Stokes now appears more open to a cross-format return, provided it aligns with the needs of the evolving white-ball side.

"It's an amazing opportunity for the white-ball team to experience what Baz [McCullum] has brought to the Test team," Stokes told Sky Sports during the third ODI at Chester-le-Street. "He's an incredible coach who speaks with utter commitment, and it's nice to have all three teams now with the same messaging and philosophies towards cricket."

Stokes made it clear that while he is open to the idea of returning, it’s not something he's actively pursuing. "I've played a lot of white-ball cricket for England, and I'm very happy with what I've achieved in that form of the game," he added. "But to be honest, we've not even spoken about anything like that whatsoever. I think he's just letting me concentrate on what I need to concentrate on, especially around the Test team."

For now, Stokes’ primary focus remains on the Test team, with a challenging tour of Pakistan looming. England's Test side, led by Stokes and McCullum, made headlines last December with a historic 3-0 sweep in Pakistan. As they prepare for another three-Test series in the country, all eyes will be on whether Stokes can help replicate that success.