Ricky Ponting slams Ben Stokes' Ashes Return. Image Credits: AFP
It has been nearly two months since Ben Stokes announced his shocking retirement from international cricket. Several recent rumors indicate that the legendary all-rounder might well make his return to the scene for the 2027 Ashes series at home next year.
While Stokes has expressed no interest in making a comeback to the field, current skipper Joe Root has not ruled out the possibility of his former teammate wearing the England jersey again.
Addressing the rumors, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that the return of Stokes for one Ashes series can be disaster for the England cricket team.
Ricky Ponting explains why Ben Stokes return will be a disaster for England
While speaking on 7Cricket on Day 2 of Australia’s series-deciding second Test against Bangladesh, former cricketer Ricky Ponting was asked to give his opinion over rumors concerning the possible return of Ben Stokes for the 2027 Ashes series.
The cricketer-turned-commentator is of the opinion that a sudden return of Stokes would be disruptive as it would disturb England’s plans and team combination.
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He said, “I just think that would be so disruptive with what they're trying to create from now until then. They are on this journey now without him, and we actually saw him do that for the World Cup as well. He came back into that World Cup, and it was a disaster.”
Ricky Ponting also urged the England team management to move on from Stokes and get some continuity with their current line-up.
He added, “They need to move on. Try and get some continuity with the line-up. And that’s a challenge itself. With the amount of cricket they play, continuity is a big thing. They need to have good settled players leading up to an Ashes series. Having Stokes come back would be a disaster.”
When Ben Stokes reversed retirement for 2023 World Cup
If Ben Stokes ends up making his return to England’s Ashes 2027 line-up, it would not be the first time the legendary all-rounder would be reversing his retirement.
Back in mid-2022, Stokes announced his retirement from ODI cricket. However, at the behest of captain Jos Buttler and the England team management, the seasoned pro returned to the format a year later for the 2023 World Cup in India.
Compatible to Ricky Ponting’s claims, his return ended up scripting disaster for the England cricket team as constant interference with the team combination did not allow them to settle in Indian conditions.
Under the leadership of Buttler, the Englishmen endured one of the worst title-defenses in history, securing just three wins from nine games to become one of the first sides to bow out of the tournament’s semifinal race.
While Stokes minted over 300 runs in the World Cup at an average of 50.66, the cricketer played just six matches and did not bowl a single over.
Ben Stokes not keen on returning for Ashes
Ben Stokes brought down curtains to his 15-year international career midway into England’s series-deciding final Test against New Zealand a couple of months ago.
Despite his comeback rumors, Stokes himself has expressed no interest in making his return for the Ashes 2027 series next year. While speaking with Stuart Broad on his podcast, the cricketer said that he is not viewing his retirement call as a temporary decision.
“I never once thought, 'I'm just going to give it up and just keep going as a player'. I'm 35. If I'm not going to be captain, I think I'd find it tough to do it. Not saying because I'd find it tough to be led by someone else,” Stokes said.
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