In the midst of injury concerns, Brendon McCullum backs Ben Stokes for the IPL. With his history of knee ailments, Stokes may be barred from competing in the IPL.
Despite worries about his fitness, England Test captain Ben Stokes has stated that he would play in the IPL 2023. The flashy all-rounder, on the other hand, will be permitted to play in the cash-rich league only if he is fit enough to play as England prepares for a blockbuster Ashes summer.
During England’s dramatic second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, the prominent English all-rounder suffered a knee injury. Stokes’ illness is presently being assessed by team management, and if it worsens. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may bar him from competing in the IPL.
Coach Brendon McCullum, on the other hand, believes that his skipper’s involvement in the upcoming IPL will prepare him for the Ashes at home later this year. Stokes was signed in the IPL 2023 auction by four-time champions Chennai Super Kings.
“The captain has a strong head and knows how to prepare for crucial times. Isn’t that his life? Therefore I have no reservations. In fact, I’m looking forward to seeing him play in it [the IPL] because I know when he returns and leads us into the Ashes campaign, he’ll have the bit between his teeth and I think we’ll be OK,” McCullum told The Telegraph.
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For Zak to play like that, our squad is set up at the top of the order: Brendon McCullum
McCullum also defended England opener Zak Crawley, who has been one of the weak links in England’s flamboyant batting strategy in the game’s longest format.
“Zak is one of those players who will be inconsistent due to the role he is required to play, which is to force himself on the opposition and attempt to play a style that puts them under pressure. For Zak to play like that, our squad is built up at the top of the order. “He’s still going to be a significant part for us going forward,” the Kiwi continued.
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