All-rounder Ben Stokes might soon be a part of the World Cup and as a first step, he was named in the England squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Stokes returned to the squad after reversing his decision to retire from ODI cricket.

"Ben Stokes returns to the England Men’s ODI set-up after deciding to reverse his decision to retire from the format while uncapped Surrey quick Gus Atkinson is included in the 15-player squad," read a statement issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The squad for the four-match Vitality IT20 Series against the Blackcaps includes three players who are uncapped in the 20-over format – Atkinson, Josh Tongue and John Turner.

Tongue made his England debut in the LV= Insurance Test against Ireland earlier this summer while Hampshire right-armer Turner makes his first England squad.

England Men’s National Selector, Luke Wright, said: “We have been able to name two extremely strong squads that underline the depth of talent we enjoy in white-ball cricket.

“The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again.

“We’re also excited to give first international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner while Josh Tongue has deserved a place in the T20 squad after impressing during the Ashes.

“Any series against New Zealand is closely fought and will provide us with an ideal opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.”

England Men ODI squad:

Jos Buttler (Lancashire – captain)
Moeen Ali (Warwickshire)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jason Roy (Surrey)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Reece Topley (Surrey)
David Willey (Northamptonshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

England Men IT20 squad:

Jos Buttler (Lancashire – captain)
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Moeen Ali (Warwickshire)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Will Jacks (Surrey)
Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Josh Tongue (Worcestershire)
John Turner (Hampshire)
Luke Wood (Lancashire)

England Men v New Zealand – Vitality IT20 Series schedule

1st Vitality IT20: Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street - 30 August
2nd Vitality IT20: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester - 1 September
3rd Vitality IT20: Edgbaston, Birmingham - 3 September
4th Vitality IT20: Trent Bridge, Nottingham - 5 September

England Men v New Zealand – Metro Bank One-Day Series schedule

1st Metro Bank ODI: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff – 8 September
2nd Metro Bank ODI: The Ageas Bowl, Southampton – 10 September
3rd Metro Bank ODI: The Kia Oval, London - 13 September
4th Metro Bank ODI: Lord’s, London - 15 September