Daily Times

LONDON: Ben Stokes has been named in England’s 14-man squad for the three one-day internationals (ODIs) against India next month, with the all-rounder on the mend from a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old, who sustained the injury before the second test against Pakistan this month, is expected to return to the field in a domestic Twenty20 match for the Durham Jets on July 5, a week before the ODI series begins. If Stokes is deemed fully fit for Durham, he could also play in the third international Twenty20 against India on July 8.

England are seeking to continue a winning run that saw them to an ODI series whitewash of Australia this month. Batsman Sam Billings, who has failed to impress for England in his past two call-ups, has been left out of the squad.

All-rounder Sam Curran, who made his ODI debut against Australia last week, has also failed to make the cut. Fellow all-rounder Chris Woakes is still recovering from a thigh muscle tear and persistent knee injury but could return for the latter part of the India series.

England squad: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Mark Wood.

Published in Daily Times, June 30^th 2018.