‘It was a bit of, ‘Me, me, me’, there isn’t it?’ – Former Australia cricketer Tim Paine hits out at Ben Stokes for coming out of ODI retirement to play in the World Cup

With just less than two months left, English Test skipper Ben Stokes has marked his way to the upcoming World Cup to defend the title. Notably, the southpaw hammered a magnificent knock of 84 runs to guide his side towards victory after defeating Kane Williamson’s side in the final match of the 2019 World Cup at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Notably, the great all-rounder also displayed his great form during the final of the T20 World Cup 2022 against Pakistan and guided his team towards victory.

Meanwhile, speaking on the same subject, former Australia cricketer Tim Paine hits out at Ben Stokes for coming out of ODI retirement to play in the World Cup. Notably, the former Aussie skipper lashed out at the English cricketer and says it will hurt the other cricketers who have been playing for the past 12 months to make their way in the World Cup, but Ben Stokes’ inclusion in the team will make that player sit on the bench. Moreover, the 38-year-old cricketer found this act of Ben Stokes to be selfish.

It was a bit of, ‘Me, me, me’, there isn’t it?: Tim Paine

“Ben Stokes coming out of one-day retirement, I found that interesting. It was a bit of, ‘Me, me, me’, there isn’t it? It was, ‘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?,” Tim Paine said on Sen Radio.

Meanwhile, the right-handed batter feels that Jos Buttler’s side will be the favourites to win the World Cup after the Test skipper makes his way into the squad. Moreover, the stylish batter also named Team India as a favourite to win the upcoming major tournament as the hosts.

Probably (England are now favourites), them and India. I think the Aussies if they can get hot (they can also win),” he added further.