'Ridiculous suggestion' - Michael Vaughan hits back at Tim Paine over scathing attack on Ben Stokes for retirement U-turn

With less than two months remaining for the ODI World Cup, teams are focused on getting their last-minute preparations sorted. Defending champions England received a huge boost this week as the talismanic all-rounder, Ben Stokes reversed his decision to retire from ODI cricket and will be seen in action during the upcoming four-match series against New Zealand and also in the 50-over World Cup.

This news has delighted the cricketing world as the involvement of a player of Stokes' stature will only make the marquee event more special. English fans are also thrilled to see the 32-year-old back in the scheme of things. However, someone who wasn't too pleased with the whole development was former Australian captain Tim Paine. The wicketkeeper-batter lambasted Stokes for his decision to take a U-turn on his retirement as he felt the move squashed the hopes of a youngster to get the experience of playing in a World Cup.

"It was like 'I'll pick and I'll choose where I want to play and when I want to play', and, 'I'll play in the big tournaments'. The guys who played for 12 months, 'Sorry, thanks. But can you go and sit on the bench because I want to play now?'" Paine had told SEN Radio.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has come out in defence of Stokes as he hailed the Southpaw as the most selfless cricketer he knows and called Paine's claims as 'ridiculous'.

"Ben Stokes is the most selfless cricketer I have ever known .. He puts Team before himself more than any other player .. Ridiculous suggestion from Tim .." wrote Vaughan on his 'X' handle.

Ben stokes is the most selfless cricketer I have ever known .. He puts Team before himself more than any other player .. Ridiculous suggestion from Tim .. https://t.co/jUXwzl1z2e

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 19, 2023

Ben Stokes retired from ODI cricket in 2022

The Player of the Match in the 2019 World Cup final, Ben Stokes, announced in 2022 that he would retire from ODI cricket. He noted that playing in all three formats was unsustainable for him and he wanted to be replaced by someone who would be able to give his 100 percent on the field in the 50-over format.

Stokes is a part of the England squad that takes on New Zealand in a four-match ODI series at home. The first ODI is scheduled to be played on September 8 at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.