Ben Stokes makes big revelation about World Cup after record tumbling knock against NZ

Ben Stokes played a record-breaking innnings as England beat New Zealand by 181 runs in the third ODI at The Oval. The teams are competing in a four-match series in preparation for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, where England and New Zealand will clash in the tournament opener on October 5.

3 things you need to know 

• Ben Stokes had retired from ODI cricket in 2022
• Stokes has surpassed Jason Roy's indiviual record
• England lead the ODI series 2-1 against New Zealand 

ALSO READ: List Of Records Broken By Ben Stokes After Sensational 182-run Knock Against New Zealand

Ben Stokes, who had retired from ODI cricket in 2022, reversed his decision just a month ahead of the World Cup in India. The star all-rounder from England revealed that he was planning to undo his retirement and return in time for the marquee event. He was also named in England's World Cup preliminary squad.

Stokes played a stunning knock of 182 off just 124 balls as England took a 2-1 lead in the four-match ODI series against New Zealand. 

"Obviously, I've been asked a lot about my knee over a long period of time, so I just said that to leave it. I knew that I'd be playing in these games and potentially in the World Cup then when I said that, but it was just the easiest thing to say that and put you [the press] off the radar," Stokes said. 

Stokes surpassed Jason Roy's 180 (against Australia in 2018) to hit the record highest individual score by an England men's player in ODIs. Stokes' 182-run innings was studded with 15 boundaries and nine sixes. 

ALSO READ: 'Wrecked Havoc In Oval': Ben Stokes Breaks The Internet With 'historic' ODI Knock

"I didn't really know (about the record) until the bloke on the tannoy (loudspeaker) announced it - then I got out next ball," said Stokes, who admitted that playing as a specialist batter gave him more clarity about his role in the team.

"This is the first time that I've been clear in my mind that that's the one thing I can focus on," the England all-rounder said. 

"I think over the last 18 months, every day has been, 'will I bowl, will I not bowl?' Now, I know that I can just focus on that… that's my thing for the team now. Having that clarity in my head contributes to that.

"I'd prefer not to go in that early because I want to see the other lads at the top do well. I don't think I've necessarily changed my approach in one-day cricket from all the years I spent at No. 5 or 6… I still think that batting at No. 4, I'll go out with the exact same approach I had at No. 5."