Ben Stokes of England during the 2023 Ashes series. Photo: Photosport
Former England cricketer Ian Bell says the return of Ben Stokes to the 50 over game will give England a significant boost as they attempt to retain their World Cup title in India in October.
Bell has just been drafted into the Black Caps coaching set-up as a batting coach for the upcoming white ball series' in England and then the World Cup build-up games in Bangladesh.
After retiring from the 50-over game last year, Stokes has returned to the England squad for this series.
Bell says he adds to what is already a hugely experience line-up England will have at the World Cup in India.
"Conditions will play a part, in recent World Cups the home team has come out on top so there's no doubt when you go to the sub-continent that plays a part.
"But with the IPL players are getting more comfortable playing there."
Stokes' return to the England ODI squad was one of the surprises when it was named earlier this month while Jofra Archer and Harry Brook were left out.
Bell says Stokes' return is a big lift for the side.
"When I look at England with Jos Butler and Ben Stokes they've got the ability to win this World Cup.
"We've seen with Ben in (the last) World Cup and recently in the T20 (World Cup) he has a calm head under really pressure which is a real skill set, not just the technique and the talent but he's a man for the big occasion and that's huge for England.
"Other teams are wary of Ben Stokes and we saw that recently in the Ashes where there were a number of times when the game was nearly dead and buried but with Ben at the crease Australia never really believed the game was over and that's the power he has.
"He has a little bit of that aura about him that the great players in world cricket have."
The Black Caps have a couple of warmup games in England before the first of four T20 internationals starting at Chester-le-Street on August 31st.
The two sides then play four one day internationals.
Stokes scored a double century and a century during the Ashes and finished with an average of 45.
The New Zealand born England test captain has played 105 ODI's with an average of 39.
-RNZ